Ayaṃ gauḥ śṛṇu medhasi tanūyatām । Niśitaṃ paśya me gāvam ॥
“O Cow, listen to my wisdom and behold my Cow which is standing right here.”
Structure
Ayaṃ gauḥ śṛṇu me medhasi tanūyatām Niśitam paśya me gāvam
Ayaṃ (this) gauḥ (cow) me (my) medhasi (in wisdom/intelligence) śṛṇu (listen) tanūyatām (let it grow/be expanded) Niśitam (fiercely/determinedly) me (my) gāvam (cow) paśya (see/look)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ayaṃ | Ayaṃ | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | this |
| gauḥ | gauḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | cow |
| śṛṇu | śṛṇu | verb | √śru · laṭ-present · second | listen |
| me | me | pronoun | dative · singular · masculine | to me |
| medhasi | medhasi | noun | locative · singular · neuter | in wisdom |
| tanūyatām | tanūyatām | verb | √tan · liṅ-optative · third | may it expand |
| Niśitam | Niśitam | verb | √niś · laṣṭ-past participle | adorned |
| paśya | paśya | verb | √paś · laṭ-present · second | see |
| me | me | pronoun | dative · singular · masculine | to me |
| gāvam | gāvam | noun | accusative · plural · feminine | cows |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Ṛgveda, 'Ayaṃ gauḥ śṛṇu me medhasi tanūyatām', when interpreted through the lens of non-dualism, reveals a profound message about the ultimate reality, Brahman. According to Śaṅkarācārya, the invocation to the cow, a symbol of nourishment and abundance, should be understood as a call to the inner self, the Ātman. The 'gāvam' or cow here represents the universe or the manifest world, which is an expression of Brahman. The phrase 'śṛṇu me medhasi' suggests the attentive awareness or wisdom that recognizes this non-dual essence. In his commentary on the Brahmasūtra, Śaṅkarācārya emphasizes the importance of understanding the ultimate reality beyond the duality of the world, aligning with the verse's essence that points to the unity of Brahman and Ātman.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is seen as an expression of devotion and the loving relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Lord). Rāmānujācārya would likely interpret 'Ayaṃ gauḥ' as the grace of God manifest in the world, with 'śṛṇu me medhasi' indicating the Lord's call to the devotee to offer their wisdom and devotion. The 'gāvam' symbolizes the divine wealth or blessings that the Lord bestows upon those who seek Him. This interpretation highlights the personal and relational aspect of the divine, emphasizing the jīva's dependence on Īśvara's grace for liberation. Madhvācārya, with his emphasis on the difference (bheda) between the individual souls and God, would still see this verse as a call to devotion and recognition of God's omnipresence and benevolence, albeit with a clearer distinction between the devotee and the divine.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda and S. Rādhākrishnan, key figures of Neo-Vedānta, would interpret this verse in a universal and practical light. They might see 'Ayaṃ gauḥ' as a symbol of the divine in every being and 'śṛṇu me medhasi' as a call to awaken one's inner wisdom and spiritual potential. The emphasis would be on the unity and interconnectedness of all existence, with the 'gāvam' representing the richness and diversity of human experience. According to Vivekānanda's lectures on the 'Complete Works', recognizing and honoring this divine presence in all is essential for individual and societal upliftment. Rādhākrishnan, in his philosophical works, would likely connect this verse to the pursuit of knowledge and understanding that transcends the mundane, guiding humanity toward a more enlightened and compassionate way of living.