Ayaṃ gauḥ śṛṇu ca medhayā ca pśya |
“Hear this with intelligence and see.”
Structure
Ayaṃ gauḥ śṛṇu ca medhayā ca pśya
Ayaṃ (this) gauḥ (cow) medhayā (with intelligence) ca (and) śṛṇu (hear) ca (and) pśya (see)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ayaṃ | Ayaṃ | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | this |
| gauḥ | gauḥ | noun | nominative · singular · feminine | cow |
| śṛṇu | śṛṇu | verb | √śru · laṭ-present · second | listen |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| medhayā | medhayā | noun | instrumental · singular · feminine | with intelligence/wisdom |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| pśya | pśya | verb | √pśya · laṭ-present · second | see |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In this verse, Ayaṃ gauḥ śṛṇu ca medhayā ca pśya, the emphasis is on the non-dual nature of reality. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Brahma Sūtras, highlights the importance of medhayā, or intelligence, in understanding the ultimate truth. The term 'gauḥ' here symbolizes the universe or the ultimate reality, Brahman. By instructing to 'hear' and 'see' with intelligence, the verse underscores the need to transcend the mundane perception of the world and realize the Brahman-ātman identity. This aligns with Śaṅkarācārya's argument in his Upadeśasāhasrī, where he posits that the ultimate liberation lies in recognizing one's true Self (ātman) as being identical with the universal Brahman. This verse, thus, serves as a call to introspection and the pursuit of Self-realization.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The devotional reading of this verse emphasizes the relationship between the individual soul (jīva) and the Supreme Lord (Īśvara). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Brahmasūtra, would likely view 'Ayaṃ gauḥ' as a reference to the Supreme Being, whom one must approach with devotion and intellect. The act of 'hearing' and 'seeing' with intelligence (medhayā) suggests a profound engagement with the divine, leading to a deeper understanding and love for God. Madhvācārya, from a Dvaita perspective, might interpret 'gauḥ' more literally as a symbol of divine grace, accessible through devotion and the cultivation of wisdom. In both interpretations, the verse encourages a personal and devotional approach to the divine, fostering a loving and submissive attitude towards Īśvara.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the universal application of Vedantic principles. This verse, with its call to 'hear' and 'see' with intelligence, resonates with Vivekānanda's advocacy for a rational and experiential approach to spiritual growth. The term 'medhayā' signifies the importance of intellectual discernment in distinguishing the real from the unreal, a theme Vivekānanda explored in his discourse on 'Practical Vedanta'. Similarly, S. Radhakrishnan, in his philosophical works, might interpret this verse as an exhortation to integrate knowledge and experience, leading to a holistic understanding of life. Both thinkers would likely connect this verse to the contemporary emphasis on education, critical thinking, and the pursuit of wisdom as essential for personal and societal development, underscoring the timeless relevance of Vedantic teachings in modern life.