Ayaṃ gauḥ śṛṇu hi prabṛūhi tanno vacah
“Hear, this cow; yes, tell us those words”
Structure
Ayaṃ gauḥ śṛṇu hi prabṛūhi tat no vacah
Śṛṇu (hear) gauḥ (cow) ayaṃ (this) hi (indeed) tat (that) vacah (speech) no (our) prabṛūhi (tell)
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 | √śṛ · laṭ-imperative · second | listen |
| hi | hi | indeclinable | — | indeed |
| prabṛūhi | prabṛūhi | verb | √bṛ · laṭ-imperative · second | speak |
| tat | tat | pronoun | accusative · singular · neuter | that |
| no | no | indeclinable | — | to us |
| vacah | vacah | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | speech/word |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, Ayaṃ gauḥ śṛṇu hi prabṛūhi tanno vacah, when considered in the context of the Ādi Śaṅkarācārya's non-dualistic interpretations, suggests a deeper inquiry into the nature of reality. Here, 'this cow' is not just a physical entity but a symbol for the universe and its phenomena. Śaṅkarācārya, in his Brahmasutra Bhashya, emphasizes the importance of understanding the ultimate reality, Brahman, which underlies all existence. The call to 'hear' and 'tell us those words' can be seen as an invitation to listen to and understand the wisdom that leads to the realization of the identity of Brahman and Ātman. This verse, thus, points towards the pursuit of knowledge that reveals the non-dualistic nature of reality, where distinctions between the individual self and the ultimate reality dissolve. In the tradition of Advaita Vedānta, such inquiry is crucial for liberation from the cycle of birth and death.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition, particularly through the lens of Rāmānujācārya, views this verse as an expression of the intimate relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). 'This cow' could symbolize the jīva, and the command to 'hear' and 'tell us those words' signifies the jīva's longing to understand and communicate with Īśvara. Rāmānujācārya's commentary on the Brahmasutras emphasizes the concept of prapatti, or self-surrender, where the jīva, recognizing its limitations, seeks refuge in Īśvara. This verse, in the Vaiṣṇava context, underscores the devotional path where the jīva, through hearing the divine words (likely referring to the scriptures or the guru's teachings), strives to attain union with or proximity to the Lord. The emphasis is on the personal relationship and the dependence of the jīva on Īśvara's grace for liberation.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often highlighted the universal and practical aspects of Vedāntic philosophy. Considering this verse, he might interpret 'this cow' as a metaphor for the inner potential and strength that each individual possesses. The call to 'hear' and 'tell us those words' could be seen as an exhortation to listen to one's inner voice and to express one's deepest thoughts and aspirations. Vivekānanda emphasized the importance of self-realization and the development of the individual's inherent capabilities. He would likely see this verse as a reminder to cultivate inner awareness and to strive for personal growth, which, in turn, contributes to the betterment of society. This verse, in the Neo-Vedānta perspective, becomes a call to action, encouraging individuals to tap into their inner resources and to work towards a more harmonious and enlightened world.