Ayaṃ sujātā payasā sahajūtā । ṛk samane vidathe gātum । Citrā hi proktamucyate asya । Vidmo devasya divyāya .
“This (earth) was born along with milk, and is associated with the ṛk (Veda) in its natural state; a wondrous thing is said about it - we know it to be the divine (creation) of the deity.”
Structure
Ayaṃ su-jātā payasā sahajūtā ṛk-samane vidathe gātum citrā hi proktam ucyate asya vidmo devasya divyāya
Ayaṃ (this) su-jātā (well-born) payasā (with milk) sahajūtā (mixed) ṛk-samane (with ṛg-verse) vidathe (we know) gātum (the path) citrā (wonderful) hi (indeed) proktam (great) ucyate (is said) asya (of this) vidmo (we know) devasya (of the divine) divyāya (heavenly)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ayaṃ | Ayaṃ | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | this |
| sujātā | sujātā | noun | nominative · singular · feminine | well-born |
| payasā | payasā | noun | instrumental · singular · neuter | with milk |
| sahajūtā | sahajūtā | noun | nominative · singular · feminine | born together with |
| ṛk-samane | ṛk-samane | compound | karmadhāraya · "ṛk ca samane" | in the assembly of ṛk |
| vidathe | vidathe | verb | √vid · laṭ-present · third | they know |
| gātum | gātum | verb | √gā · liṅ-optative · first | may I go |
| citrā | citrā | noun | nominative · singular · feminine | wondrous |
| hi | hi | indeclinable | — | indeed |
| proktam | proktam | verb | √prokta · past participle | it is said |
| ucyate | ucyate | verb | √vac · laṭ-present · third | it is called |
| asya | asya | pronoun | genitive · singular · masculine | of this |
| vidmo | vidmo | verb | √vid · liṅ-optative · first | may we know |
| devasya | devasya | noun | genitive · singular · masculine | of the deity |
| divyāya | divyāya | adjective | — | divine |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Ṛgveda underscores the non-dual nature of reality, echoing the fundamental principle of Advaita Vedānta. Shankara, in his commentary on the Brahmasūtras, emphasizes the concept of 'sahajūtā' or natural association, implying an inherent, unbroken connection between the individual self (ātman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman). The phrase 'vidmo devasya divyāya' suggests a recognition or awareness of this divine essence that pervades all existence. Thus, the earth's symbiotic relationship with milk, as mentioned, symbolizes the inseparable bond between the macrocosm and the microcosm, hinting at the ultimate unity of all beings with the divine. This interpretation underscores Shankara's non-dualistic reading, where the distinctions between subject and object, or the individual and the Absolute, are transcended, revealing the singular, all-encompassing reality of Brahman.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): From a Vaiṣṇava perspective, this verse highlights the intimate relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his Śrī Bhāṣya, would likely interpret 'Ayaṃ sujātā payasā sahajūtā' as indicative of the natural, loving bond between the Lord and His creation, symbolized by the earth and milk. The 'ṛk samane vidathe gātum' suggests a path or means (upāya) through which this relationship is understood and celebrated, possibly through the recitation of Vedic hymns (ṛks) that extol the glory of the divine. The phrase 'vidmo devasya divyāya' affirms the knowledge or realization of this divine connection, emphasizing devotion (bhakti) as the primary means of experiencing and strengthening this bond. Thus, this verse, in the Vaiṣṇava tradition, underscores the devotional path towards realizing one's inherent relationship with the Supreme Lord.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Vedas, might interpret this verse as symbolizing the harmony and unity that exist between nature and human existence. The earth's association with milk, 'sujātā payasā sahajūtā', can be seen as a metaphor for the interconnectedness of all elements in the universe, emphasizing the importance of living in balance with nature. The reference to 'ṛk samane vidathe gātum' could be understood as the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom that leads to a deeper understanding of this interconnected world, facilitating a path towards unity and harmony. Furthermore, 'vidmo devasya divyāya' suggests an acknowledgment of a higher, universal consciousness that permeates all existence. This interpretation aligns with Vivekānanda's emphasis on the universal principles of Vedānta, which can guide humanity towards a more harmonious and enlightened existence. It connects the ancient wisdom of the Vedas with contemporary life, advocating for a holistic approach to understanding our place within the cosmos.