Ayaṃ su-cetanaḥ paśur-ayaṃ devebhyā āptaḥ . Ayaṃ somo 'rciṣā mayi drupadena ca .
“This Soma is an intelligent, tame, and tameable creature obtained by the gods; this Soma pervades me and Drupada.”
Structure
Ayaṃ su-cetanaḥ paśur - ayaṃ devebhyā āptaḥ . Ayaṃ somoḥ arcīṣā mayi drupadena ca
Ayaṃ (this) paśuḥ (creature) su-cetanaḥ (is conscious) . Ayaṃ (this) devebhyā (from gods) āptaḥ (obtained) . Ayaṃ (this) somoḥ (Soma) arcīṣā (with rays) mayi (in me) drupadena (with Drupada) ca (and)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ayaṃ | Ayaṃ | indeclinable | — | this |
| su-cetanaḥ | su-cetanaḥ | compound | karmadhāraya · "su + cetanaḥ" | well-conscious |
| paśur | paśur | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | animal |
| - | punctuation | — | separator | |
| ayaṃ | ayaṃ | indeclinable | — | this |
| devebhyā | devebhyā | noun | dative · plural · masculine | to the gods |
| āptaḥ | āptaḥ | verb | √āp · past participle · third | obtained |
| . | punctuation | — | separator | |
| Ayaṃ | Ayaṃ | indeclinable | — | this |
| somoḥ | somoḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Soma |
| arcīṣā | arcīṣā | noun | instrumental · singular · feminine | with the rays |
| mayi | mayi | pronoun | locative · singular · masculine | in me |
| drupadena | drupadena | compound | dvandva · "drupa + adena" | with drop and food |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, Ayaṃ su-cetanaḥ paśur-ayaṃ devebhyā āptaḥ, is often interpreted by Advaita Vedānta as highlighting the non-dual nature of reality. According to Shankara, the term 'sucetana' refers to the pure consciousness that pervades all beings, including the gods. The phrase 'devebhyā āptaḥ' signifies that this consciousness is obtainable by the gods, implying a unity between the individual self (jiva) and the ultimate reality (Brahman). Shankara's commentary on the Brhadaranyaka Upanishad (1.4.10) illustrates this concept, where he explains that the Self is not different from Brahman. This verse points to the brahman-ātman identity, suggesting that the ultimate reality is accessible and is, in fact, the essence of all beings, including Soma, which represents the divine and the source of all life and consciousness.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition interprets this verse in a devotional context, emphasizing the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Rāmānujācārya would likely view 'Ayaṃ su-cetanaḥ paśur-ayaṃ devebhyā āptaḥ' as indicating that the Lord, in the form of Soma, is approachable and obtainable by the gods, who are considered ideal devotees. The term 'sucetana' signifies the Lord's pure and conscious nature, which is the source of all life and devotion. This interpretation aligns with Rāmānujācārya's concept of 'aprāpti' and 'prāpti', where the individual soul strives to attain the Lord, who is already present within and around them, much like Soma's pervasive presence. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, might focus on the distinction between the Lord and the individual souls, emphasizing the role of devotion in bridging this gap, as seen in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): In a modern context, this verse can be seen as symbolizing the universal and eternal principles of life and consciousness. Swami Vivekānanda often spoke about the importance of realizing one's true nature, which is embodied in the concept of 'sucetana' or pure consciousness. The phrase 'Ayaṃ somo 'rciṣā mayi drupadena ca' suggests that this consciousness pervades all, including the individual and the collective, much like the all-encompassing presence of Soma. Vivekānanda's lectures on the 'Complete Works' emphasize the practical application of this principle, where one can cultivate this awareness through self-reflection, meditation, and service to others. S. Rādhākrishnan, in his writings on the Upanishads, highlights the contemporary relevance of such verses, illustrating how they provide a framework for understanding the human condition and our place within the universe, encouraging a deeper exploration of our own nature and potential.