Ayaṃ gauḥ śṛṇu medhāsāṃ vacaḥ śṛṇu . Viśvasya hi sabhāpatiḥ .
“Hear the words of the wise, this cow; hear, for He is the lord of the assembly of all.”
Structure
Ayaṃ gauḥ śṛṇu medhāsāṃ vacaḥ śṛṇu Viśvasya hi sabhāpatiḥ
Ayaṃ (this) gauḥ (cow / voice) medhāsāṃ (of the wise) vacaḥ (speech) śṛṇu (listen) Viśvasya (of the world) sabhāpatiḥ ( lord / master) hi (indeed) śṛṇu (listen)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ayaṃ | Ayaṃ | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | this |
| gauḥ | gauḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | cow, earth, etc. (contextual meaning: earth) |
| śṛṇu | śṛṇu | verb | √śru · laṭ-present · second | listen |
| medhāsāṃ | medhāsāṃ | noun | genitive · plural · feminine | of wisdom, insightful sayings |
| vacaḥ | vacaḥ | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | speech, words |
| śṛṇu | śṛṇu | verb | √śru · laṭ-present · second | listen |
| Viśvasya | Viśvasya | noun | genitive · singular · masculine | of the world, universal |
| hi | hi | indeclinable | — | indeed, surely |
| sabhāpatiḥ | sabhāpatiḥ | compound | bahuvrīhi · "sabhāṃ patiḥ" | lord of the assembly |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Ṛgveda, 'Ayaṃ gauḥ śṛṇu medhāsāṃ vacaḥ śṛṇu. Viśvasya hi sabhāpatiḥ,' points to the non-dual nature of reality, where the ultimate truth, Brahman, is the essence of all existence. According to Shankara, the cow (gauḥ) symbolizes the universe, and the wise words (medhāsāṃ vacaḥ) signify the knowledge that leads to the understanding of this ultimate reality. The lord of the assembly of all (Viśvasya hi sabhāpatiḥ) refers to Brahman, the unchanging, all-pervading consciousness that underlies the ever-changing world. This verse, thus, underscores the identity of the individual self (ātman) with Brahman, the absolute reality, which is the central tenet of Advaita Vedānta. Shankara's commentary on the Brahmasutra, particularly his discussion on the mahavakyas, reinforces this interpretation, highlighting the verse's significance in understanding the non-dual nature of existence.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is seen as an affirmation of the sovereign lordship of Īśvara (the Supreme Being) over all existence. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Brahmasutra, would interpret 'Ayaṃ gauḥ' as symbolizing the jīvas (individual souls) and 'medhāsāṃ vacaḥ' as the divine guidance that leads these souls towards their ultimate goal of realizing their inherent relationship with Īśvara. The phrase 'Viśvasya hi sabhāpatiḥ' reinforces the concept of Īśvara as the supreme ruler of the universe, who is both the efficient and material cause of all creation. This verse, thus, underscores the devotional aspect of the Vaiṣṇava tradition, emphasizing the dependence of the jīva on Īśvara and the path of surrender and devotion (prapatti) as the means to achieve liberation. Madhvācārya, with his emphasis on the difference (bheda) between the individual souls and the Supreme Being, would also highlight the verse's significance in establishing the sovereignty of Īśvara.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the practical and universal application of Vedantic principles. This verse, 'Ayaṃ gauḥ śṛṇu medhāsāṃ vacaḥ śṛṇu. Viśvasya hi sabhāpatiḥ,' can be seen as a call to listen to and understand the deeper, universal truths that govern human existence. The 'cow' and 'wise words' symbolize the nourishing and guiding principles of life, which, when understood and followed, lead to the realization of one's true nature and place within the universe. The concept of 'Viśvasya hi sabhāpatiḥ' underscores the unity and interdependence of all existence, stressing the importance of recognizing and respecting the divine in every being and aspect of life. S. Rādhākrishnan, in his philosophical expositions, would further elucidate this verse's significance in promoting a sense of global citizenship and harmony, encouraging individuals to strive for a higher level of consciousness that recognizes the intrinsic value and dignity of all life.