apravṛṇvān vṛṇate ghṛtaṃ payo na yaśaḥ । na ca deve rati-ghnāya vṛṇve ॥
“He does not choose, though choosing, ghee and milk, fame; nor do I choose him who hates delight, among the gods.”
Structure
apravṛṇvān vṛṇate ghṛtam payo na yaśaḥ na ca devān rati-ghnāya vṛṇve
ahaṃ(I) apravṛṇvān(not) choosing rti-ghnāya(for one) who kills delight devān(the) gods vṛṇe(I) choose na(not) ca(and) vṛṇate(he) chooses ghṛtam(ghee) payo(or milk) na(not) yaśaḥ(fame)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| apravṛṇvān | apravṛṇvān | verb | √vṛṇ · laṭ-present · third | not choosing |
| vṛṇate | vṛṇate | verb | √vṛṇ · laṭ-present · third | he chooses |
| ghṛtam | ghṛtam | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | ghee |
| payo | payo | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | milk |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| yaśaḥ | yaśaḥ | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | fame |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | and not |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| devān | devān | noun | accusative · plural · masculine | gods |
| rati-ghnāya | rati-ghnāya | compound | tatpuruṣa · "rati-ghna + āya" | for the killer of Rati (a name of a demon) |
| vṛṇve | vṛṇve | verb | √vṛṇ · laṭ-present · first | I choose |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Ṛgveda, apravṛṇvān vṛṇate ghṛtaṃ payo na yaśaḥ, na ca deve rati-ghnāya vṛṇve, is interpreted by Śaṅkarācārya as an expression of the non-dual nature of reality. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Brahmasūtras, emphasizes that the ultimate reality, Brahman, is beyond human choices and desires. The phrase 'appravṛṇvān vṛṇate' suggests that the individual self, in its ignorance, may choose fleeting pleasures like ghee and milk, but true understanding lies in recognizing the futility of such desires. The rejection of 'rati-ghnāya' among the gods signifies the transcendence of sensual delights, aligning with the Advaitic view that the ultimate goal is the realization of the identity of the individual self (ātman) with the universal Self (Brahman). This verse, through its imagery and rejection of worldly desires, points towards the path of self-inquiry and the pursuit of knowledge that leads to the understanding of the non-dual reality.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is seen as an expression of the relationship between the jīva (the individual soul) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Brahmasūtras, interprets the phrase 'vṛṇate ghṛtaṃ payo na yaśaḥ' as the jīva's inclination towards worldly pleasures and fame, which are ultimately unsatisfying. The 'rati-ghnāya' among the gods refers to those who hate or are devoid of love for the Supreme Lord, indicating a rejection of such an attitude. For Rāmānujācārya, this verse emphasizes the importance of cultivating love and devotion towards Īśvara, recognizing that true fulfillment comes from this relationship, not from worldly desires. Madhvācārya, with his emphasis on the difference between the soul and God, might interpret this verse as a call to devotion, highlighting the distinction between the loving servant (the jīva) and the beloved Lord (Īśvara), with the rejection of 'rati-ghnāya' underscoring the necessity of a loving attitude towards the Divine.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the practical and universal aspects of Vedāntic teachings. This verse, with its rejection of fleeting desires and its emphasis on not choosing that which hates delight, can be seen as a call to a life of purpose and meaning. Vivekānanda might interpret 'appravṛṇvān vṛṇate ghṛtaṃ payo na yaśaḥ' as the human tendency to pursue external sources of happiness, which ultimately prove unsatisfying. The phrase 'na ca deve rati-ghnāya vṛṇve' suggests a higher aspiration, one that seeks joy and fulfillment in a deeper connection with the universe or the Divine. S. Radhakrishnan, with his emphasis on the synthesis of Eastern and Western thought, could view this verse as an expression of the human quest for a meaningful and joyful existence, highlighting the importance of cultivating a positive and loving attitude towards life, recognizing that true fulfillment comes from within and from our connections with others and the world around us.