Ayaṃ gauḥ śṛṇu somasya mahimā asya tṛptaḥ śamitā vardhamānaḥ.
“Hear the greatness of Soma, who being nourished becomes satisfied and increases.”
Structure
Ayaṃ gauḥ śṛṇu somasya mahimā asya tṛptaḥ śamitā vardhamānaḥ
Ayaṃ (this) gauḥ (cow) somasya (of Soma) mahimā (greatness) śṛṇu (listen to)asya (of this) tṛptaḥ (satisfied) śamitā (pacified) vardhamānaḥ (increasing)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ayaṃ | Ayaṃ | indeclinable | — | this |
| gauḥ | gauḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | cow |
| śṛṇu | śṛṇu | verb | √śru · imperative · second | listen |
| somasya | somasya | noun | genitive · singular · masculine | of Soma |
| mahimā | mahimā | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | greatness |
| asya | asya | noun | genitive · singular · masculine | of this |
| tṛptaḥ | tṛptaḥ | verb | √tṛp · past participle · third | satisfied |
| śamitā | śamitā | verb | √śam · past participle · third | calmed |
| vardhamānaḥ | vardhamānaḥ | verb | √vrdh · present participle · third | increasing |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Ṛgveda signifies the ultimate reality, Brahman, through the metaphor of Soma. Shankara's commentary on the Brahmasūtras and the Upaniṣads often highlights the importance of understanding the non-dual nature of reality. In this context, Soma's greatness and its capacity to become satisfied and increase point towards the self-sufficient and expansive nature of Brahman. The phrase 'asya tṛptaḥ śamitā vardhamānaḥ' suggests that even when nourished, Soma (or Brahman) remains fulfilled, indicating its complete and perfect nature. This understanding is in line with Shankara's non-dualism, where the ultimate reality, Brahman, is beyond human concepts of growth or diminishment, existing in a state of eternal fulfillment and bliss. Thus, this verse invites the seeker to contemplate the nature of the absolute, leading to the realization of the identity between the individual self (ātman) and the universal self (Brahman).
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse can be seen as an allegory for the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Brahmasūtras, emphasizes the concept of 'śeṣa-śeṣi-bhāva,' or the master-servant relationship between the Lord and the soul. The nourishment and satisfaction of Soma can represent the divine grace that satisfies the soul's longing for union with the divine. Madhvācārya, with his emphasis on the difference between the soul and God, might interpret Soma's increase as a symbol of the soul's potential for spiritual growth under the guidance of the Lord. Both perspectives within the Vaiṣṇava tradition highlight the devotional aspect, focusing on the loving relationship between the individual and the divine, where the pursuit of spiritual growth and fulfillment is grounded in devotion and service to Īśvara.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda often spoke about the universal principles hidden within ancient Hindu scriptures. This verse, with its imagery of Soma's nourishment and growth, can be interpreted in the context of personal and societal development. Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, emphasized the importance of self-culture and the realization of one's inner potential. The 'mahimā' or greatness of Soma can symbolize the immense potential within each individual waiting to be nourished and expressed. S. Radhakrishnan, with his philosophical approach, might see this verse as illustrating the dialectical process of spiritual growth, where the individual, through self-realization and service, becomes a vehicle for the universal spirit to manifest. In contemporary life, this verse can inspire individuals to cultivate their innate capacities, strive for self-fulfillment, and contribute to the betterment of society, reflecting the timeless message of spiritual growth and universal well-being embedded in the Ṛgveda.