Ayaṃ gauḥ śṛṇu māvya ktāṃ yajurvedena nibodhat | Divyā vācaḥ pravartate āmi devā stvāṃ paryupa sthitaḥ ॥
“Hear the unmanifested Veda through Yajurveda, O Cow; the divine speech is being uttered, and the gods are standing around you.”
Structure
Ayaṃ gauḥ śṛṇu mā avyaktaṃ yajur-vedena nibodhat | Divyā vācaḥ pravartate a mi devāḥ tvāṃ paryupa sthitāḥ
Ayaṃ(this) gauḥ(cow)śṛṇu(listen) mā(not) avyaktaṃ(unmanifest) yajur-vedena(with Yajur Veda) nibodhat(let him instruct)Divyā(divine) vācaḥ(speech) pravartate(proceeds) a mi(unto these) devāḥ(gods) tvāṃ(you) paryupa(around) sthitāḥ(are standing)
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-imperative · second | listen |
| mā | mā | indeclinable | — | not |
| avyaktaṃ | avyaktaṃ | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | the unmanifest |
| yajur-vedena | yajur-vedena | compound | bahuvrīhi · "yajur-vedaḥ tena" | with the Yajur Veda |
| nibodhat | nibodhat | verb | √budh · laṭ-imperative · second | inform |
| Divyā | Divyā | adjective | — | divine |
| vācaḥ | vācaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · feminine | speech |
| pravartate | pravartate | verb | √vart · laṭ-present · third | starts / proceeds |
| a | a | indeclinable | — | and |
| mi | āmi | verb | √ā | I am |
| devāḥ | devāḥ | noun | nominative · plural · masculine | gods |
| tvāṃ | tvāṃ | pronoun | accusative · singular · masculine | you |
| paryupa | paryupa | indeclinable | — | around you |
| sthitaḥ | sthitaḥ | verb | √sthā | situated |
| sthitāḥ | sthitaḥ | verb | √sthā | situated |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Ṛgveda points to the non-dual nature of reality, where the unmanifested Veda, symbolized by the cow, represents the ultimate truth of Brahman. Shankara, in his commentary on the Brahmasūtra, emphasizes the identity of Brahman and Ātman, stating that the individual self (jīva) is not separate from the ultimate reality. In the context of this verse, the 'divine speech' refers to the Vedic revelation, which is a means to realize this non-dual truth. The phrase 'gods are standing around you' suggests that the divine is omnipresent and intimately connected with the individual, highlighting the immanent nature of Brahman. Through this verse, Shankara would argue that the goal of Vedānta is to realize this unity of the individual self with the ultimate reality, transcending the limitations of the manifest world.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition interprets this verse as an expression of the intimate relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Brahmasūtra, emphasizes the concept of 'aprthak-siddhi,' which refers to the inherent and inseparable nature of the jīva and Īśvara. In this context, the 'unmanifested Veda' represents the hidden, yet ever-present, divine guidance that governs the universe. The 'divine speech' refers to the revelatory power of the Veda, which is a means to access this guidance. The phrase 'gods are standing around you' symbolizes the omnipresent and benevolent nature of the Lord, who is always near to the devotee, guiding and protecting them. Madhvācārya would further emphasize the distinction between the jīva and Īśvara, highlighting the dependence of the former on the latter, while Rāmānujācārya would stress their inseparable relationship.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse holds significant relevance in contemporary life, as it underscores the importance of introspection and self-discovery. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Vedas, emphasizes the need to explore the 'unmanifested' potential within oneself, which is symbolized by the cow in this verse. The 'divine speech' refers to the inner voice of intuition, which guides us towards our true nature and purpose. The phrase 'gods are standing around you' reminds us that we are not isolated individuals, but are part of a larger cosmic whole, interconnected with all beings and the universe. S. Rādhākrishnan, in his writings on the Upaniṣads, highlights the universal and practical application of this verse, stating that it encourages us to cultivate a sense of reverence and awe for the mystery of life, and to recognize the divine presence that pervades all existence. By embracing this perspective, we can transcend our limited individual selves and connect with the universal consciousness that underlies all reality.