Ayaṃ suhastyo yajato dhanaṃ pśya.
“Behold this fortunate (individual) distributing wealth.”
Structure
Ayaṃ su-hastyo yajataḥ dhanaṃ pśya
Yajataḥ (who is worshipping) su-hastyo (with good hands) ayaṃ (this) dhanaṃ (wealth) pśya (see)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ayaṃ | Ayaṃ | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | this |
| su-hastyo | su-hastyo | compound | karmadhāraya · "su-hastaḥ + yo" | with a good hand or dexterous |
| yajataḥ | yajataḥ | verb | √yaj · laṭ-present · third | he offers or sacrifices |
| dhanaṃ | dhanaṃ | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | wealth |
| pśya | pśya | verb | √pśya · liṣṭ-imperative · second | see |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In his commentary on the Brahmasūtras, Śaṅkara emphasizes the non-dual nature of ultimate reality. When applied to RV 1.183, this perspective suggests that the 'fortunate individual' distributing wealth is a manifestation of the universal self, Brahman. The act of distribution symbolizes the outpouring of Brahman's abundance, illustrating the inherent generosity and wholeness of the ultimate reality. Śaṅkara's reasoning, as seen in his commentary on the Taittirīya Upaniṣad, underscores the identity of the individual self (ātman) with Brahman, implying that true giving is not a transaction between separate entities but an expression of the unified, all-encompassing Brahman. This verse, therefore, invites the reader to contemplate the unity behind all actions, pointing towards the ultimate non-duality of existence.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava interpretation of RV 1.183 highlights the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the personal God). According to Rāmānujācārya, the 'fortunate individual' represents the devotee who, in a state of self-surrender, distributes wealth as an act of devotion to Īśvara. This act is not merely philanthropy but a sacred duty (dharma) that acknowledges the Lord as the ultimate proprietor of all wealth. Rāmānujācārya's commentary on the Gītā emphasizes the importance of such devotional acts in cultivating a personal relationship with God, where the individual's actions are motivated by love and a desire to please the Lord. In this context, the verse underscores the principle of 'servantship' and the joy of giving as a means to deepen one's connection with the divine.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda's interpretation of RV 1.183 focuses on the universal and practical dimensions of the verse. He sees the 'fortunate individual' as an emblem of the selfless giver, who, in distributing wealth, embodies the principle of oneness with all humanity. In Vivekānanda's lectures, such as those compiled in 'The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda', he emphasizes the importance of selfless service (sevā) as a means to realize one's true nature and contribute to the common good. This verse, in the context of modern life, encourages individuals to adopt a more generous and inclusive worldview, recognizing that true wealth lies not in possession but in the ability to give and make a positive impact on society. Rādhākrishnan, similarly, would interpret this verse as highlighting the ethical imperative of sharing one's resources, reflecting a universal moral law that transcends individual interests and fosters global harmony.