Ayaṃ somo mahate saumyāya medhāya vardhaya dṛṣade.
“This Soma is for the great, peaceful, and intelligent one, to increase his insight.”
Structure
Ayaṃ somo mahate saumyāya medhāya vardhaya dṛṣade
Dṛṣade (for the presser) vardhaya (to increase) mahate (for the great) saumyāya (Soma) medhāya (for wisdom) ayaṃ (this) somo (Soma)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ayaṃ | Ayaṃ | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | this |
| somo | somo | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Soma |
| mahate | mahate | noun | dative · singular · masculine | the great one |
| saumyāya | saumyāya | adjective | — | of Soma |
| medhāya | medhāya | noun | dative · singular · masculine | for wisdom |
| vardhaya | vardhaya | verb | √vardh · optative · third | may increase |
| dṛṣade | dṛṣade | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | vision |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse is interpreted by Śaṅkarācārya as a pointer to the ultimate reality, Brahman. The 'great, peaceful, and intelligent one' is none other than the Ātman, which is identical with Brahman. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Brahmasūtra, notes that the Upaniṣads describe Brahman as 'peaceful' (śānta), underscoring the verse's reference to 'saumyāya'. Furthermore, the increase of 'insight' (medhā) in this verse alludes to the intuitive understanding of the Brahman-Ātman identity, which is the ultimate goal of the Vedāntic inquiry. By invoking this verse, Śaṅkarācārya emphasizes the non-dual nature of reality and encourages the seeker to realize this unity. The verse, thus, serves as a reminder of the importance of self-inquiry and the cultivation of a peaceful and contemplative mind.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is seen as an expression of devotion to the Supreme Lord, whom Rāmānujācārya identifies as Nārāyaṇa. The 'great, peaceful, and intelligent one' is the Lord Himself, who is the object of worship and devotion. The increase of 'insight' (medhā) in this verse is interpreted as the cultivation of bhakti, or loving devotion, which enables the devotee to discern the Lord's presence in all aspects of life. Rāmānujācārya, in his Śrī Bhāṣya, notes that the Lord's 'peaceful' nature (śānta) is a manifestation of His infinite compassion and grace, which is extended to all beings. The verse, therefore, is an invitation to seek refuge in the Lord and to cultivate a deep sense of devotion and surrender.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Upaniṣads, sees this verse as a call to self-realization and the cultivation of a higher state of consciousness. The 'great, peaceful, and intelligent one' represents the ideal of human perfection, which is achievable through the practice of meditation and self-inquiry. The increase of 'insight' (medhā) in this verse is interpreted as the development of a broader and more compassionate perspective, which enables individuals to transcend their narrow selves and to recognize their unity with all existence. Vivekānanda, in his speech 'The Real Nature of the Soul', notes that this verse points to the universal and eternal principles of Vedānta, which are relevant to contemporary life. The verse, thus, serves as a reminder of the importance of cultivating inner peace, compassion, and wisdom in order to create a more harmonious and just society.