agnidagdho'bhavaadvai śyenaḥ । tamu tvāṃ jānihi yaḥ syādgṛṇītām ॥
“The Falcon, having been burnt by Agni, has become like (or possibly 'has become') a fried (or roasted) grain; you know (him) who (thus) deserves to be seized.”
Structure
agnidagdhaḥ abhavat vai śyenaḥ tam u tvāṃ jānihi yaḥ syāt gṛṇītām
śyenaḥ (hawk) abhavat (was) agnidagdhaḥ (burnt by fire) vai (indeed)tam (that) u (and) tvāṃ (you) jānihi (know) yaḥ (who) syāt (may be) gṛṇītām (seized/taken)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| agnidagdhaḥ | agnidagdhaḥ | compound | — | burnt by fire |
| abhavat | abhavat | verb | √bhū · past · third | was |
| vai | vai | indeclinable | — | indeed |
| śyenaḥ | śyenaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | falcon |
| tam | tam | pronoun | accusative · singular | him |
| u | u | indeclinable | — | and |
| tvāṃ | tvāṃ | pronoun | accusative · singular | thee |
| jānihi | jānihi | verb | √jñā · imperative · second | know |
| yaḥ | yaḥ | pronoun | nominative · singular | who |
| syāt | syāt | verb | √as · optative · third | may be |
| gṛṇītām | gṛṇītām | verb | √gṛṇī · optative · first | I may take |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, agnidagdho'bhavaadvai śyenaḥ, underscores the transformative power of spiritual knowledge. According to Shankara, the falcon burnt by Agni symbolizes the individual self (jiva) that has been purified by the fire of knowledge. The image of the roasted grain signifies the state of liberation where the distinctions between the self and the ultimate reality, Brahman, dissolve. In his commentary on the Brahmasutra, Shankara argues that the realization of the identity of the individual self with Brahman is the ultimate goal of spiritual pursuit. This verse, in the context of the Upanishads and the Brahmasutra, points to the non-dual nature of reality, where the distinctions between the subject and object, the self and the world, are transcended. The phrase 'tam u tvāṃ jānihi' suggests a direct, intuitive understanding of this reality, underscoring the Advaita perspective that true knowledge is not about acquiring information but about realizing one's true nature as Brahman.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava interpretation of this verse emphasizes the relationship between the jiva (the individual soul) and Īśvara (the supreme lord). Ramanuja, in his commentary on the Brahmasutra, explains that the falcon, symbolizing the jiva, is purified by the fire of devotion (Agni) and becomes worthy of being seized by the Lord, indicating a personal, devotional relationship. The roasted grain represents the self that has been purified and is now fit for union with God. This verse, according to Madhva, highlights the importance of bhakti (devotion) in the liberation process. The phrase 'yaḥ syāt gṛṇītām' suggests that the Lord chooses those who are devoted, emphasizing the grace of God in the process of liberation. This reading underscores the Vaiṣṇava belief in a personal God and the path of devotion as the primary means to achieve spiritual liberation.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse, when seen through the lens of Neo-Vedānta, offers a message of universal applicability and practical spirituality. Swami Vivekananda, in his lectures, often emphasized the importance of purification and transformation of the self. The image of the falcon burnt by Agni and becoming like a roasted grain can be seen as a metaphor for the process of self-purification and spiritual growth. The verse suggests that one must undergo a transformative process to realize one's true potential and connect with the universal. Radhakrishnan, in his philosophical writings, highlights the importance of integrating spiritual insights into daily life, citing such verses as examples of the timeless wisdom of the Vedas. This verse, in the context of contemporary life, encourages individuals to embrace change, purify their minds, and strive for a higher state of consciousness, reflecting the Neo-Vedānta emphasis on the practical application of spiritual principles for personal and societal transformation.