Ayaṃ sujāto ayama-graṇīḥ kavir-vipraḥ kavi-bhir-jātaḥ | Agre dra-vantu medhayā yajus-tvaṣṭā pra-jāpatīḥ
“This well-born, foremost seer, born of seers, let him with wisdom and Yajus, along with Prajapatis, flow forth in the lead.”
Structure
Ayaṃ sujāto ayaḥ agranīḥ kavī vipraḥ kavi-bhir-jātaḥ Agre dra-vantu medhayā yajus-tvaṣṭā pra-jāpatīḥ
Ayaṃ (this) sujāto (well-born one) ayaḥ (is) agranīḥ (the leader) kavī (poet) vipraḥ (sage) kavi-bhir-jātaḥ (born of poets)Tvaṣṭā (the creator) pra-jāpatīḥ (of Prajapatis) yajus (with Yajus) medhayā (with wisdom) Agre (first) dra-vantu (let them flow)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ayaṃ | Ayaṃ | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | this |
| sujāto | sujāto | adjective | — | well-born |
| ayaḥ | ayaḥ | indeclinable | — | (marker) |
| agranīḥ | agranīḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | foremost leader |
| kavī | kavī | adjective | — | wise |
| vipraḥ | vipraḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | seer |
| kavi-bhir-jātaḥ | kavi-bhir-jātaḥ | compound | bahuvrīhi · "kavi-bhiḥ jātaḥ" | born among wise men |
| Agre | Agre | indeclinable | — | at the front |
| dra-vantu | dra-vantu | verb | √drū · optative · third | may they flow |
| medhayā | medhayā | noun | instrumental · singular · feminine | with intelligence |
| yajus | yajus | noun | instrumental · singular · neuter | with Yajus |
| tvaṣṭā | tvaṣṭā | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | the maker |
| pra-jāpatīḥ | pra-jāpatīḥ | compound | karmadhāraya · "pra-jāpatīḥ" | the Prajāpatis |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse points to the non-dual nature of reality, where the distinctions between the individual self and the ultimate reality, Brahman, dissolve. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Brahma Sūtras, emphasizes the identity of Brahman and Ātman, which is reflected in this verse. The phrase 'kavi-bhir-jātaḥ' suggests that the seer is born of seers, implying a continuity and unity of consciousness. The mention of 'medhayā' (wisdom) and 'yajus-tvaṣṭā' (the creative power of the divine) flowing forth in the lead, indicates the unfolding of the individual self into the universal consciousness, ultimately revealing the brahman-ātman identity. This interpretation is in line with Śaṅkarācārya's reasoning in his commentary on the Taittiriya Upaniṣad, where he stresses the importance of self-inquiry and the realization of the non-dual nature of reality.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): This verse is seen as a description of the relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the divine). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Brahmasūtra, interprets 'sujāto' (well-born) as referring to the inherent goodness and potential of the individual self, which is realized through devotion and surrender to the divine. The phrase 'agranīḥ' (foremost seer) suggests the importance of the guru or spiritual teacher in guiding the individual towards self-realization. The mention of 'yajus-tvaṣṭā' and 'prajāpatīḥ' (the divine creative power) highlights the role of the divine in guiding and supporting the individual on their spiritual journey. In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is seen as emphasizing the importance of bhakti (devotion) and prapatti (surrender) in achieving a loving relationship with the divine.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse can be seen as a call to tap into the creative potential that lies within each individual. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the 'Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda', emphasizes the importance of realizing one's own inner strength and potential, which is reflected in the phrase 'sujāto' (well-born). The mention of 'kavi-bhir-jātaḥ' (born of seers) suggests that we are all connected to a larger tradition and heritage of wisdom, which we can draw upon to guide us on our own journey of self-discovery. The phrase 'agre dra-vantu medhayā' (flowing forth in the lead with wisdom) can be seen as a call to action, encouraging individuals to take the lead in their own lives, guided by wisdom and creativity. This interpretation is in line with Vivekānanda's emphasis on the importance of self-reliance, self-confidence, and the realization of one's own inner potential, as expressed in his lectures and writings.