apravṛṇvān vāvṛdhe vātāyanāni tāni tribhir-tribhir-uśasaḥ pravṛṇve.
“The wind does not obstruct those; I remove (or open) them (the doors) three by three in the mornings.”
Structure
apravṛṇvān vāvṛdhe vātāyanāni tāni tribhir tribhir uśasaḥ pravṛṇve
apravṛṇvān (not covering) vāvṛdhe (grew) vātāyanāni (the doors) tāni (those) tribhir (with three) tribhir (three) uśasaḥ (dawns) pravṛṇve (I cover)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| apravṛṇvān | apravṛṇvān | verb | √vṛṇ · laṅ-passive · third | he did not choose |
| vāvṛdhe | vāvṛdhe | verb | √vṛdh · laṅ · third | they increased |
| vātāyanāni | vātāyanāni | noun | accusative · plural · neuter | the wind-like ones |
| tāni | tāni | pronoun | accusative · plural · neuter | them |
| tribhir | tribhir | indeclinable | — | three times |
| tribhir | tribhir | indeclinable | — | three times |
| uśasaḥ | uśasaḥ | noun | nominative · plural · masculine | dawns |
| pravṛṇve | pravṛṇve | verb | √vṛṇ · laṭ-middle · first | I choose |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse highlights the non-obstructive nature of the wind, symbolizing the unimpeded journey of the Self. Shankara's commentary on the Brahmasutras (1.1.4) explains that the ultimate reality, Brahman, is not hindered by any external factors. Similarly, in this verse, the wind does not obstruct the opening of the doors. This non-dual reading points to the identity of Brahman and Ātman, where the individual self is not separate from the ultimate reality. The 'three by three' doors may represent the three states of consciousness (waking, dreaming, and deep sleep) and the three aspects of time (past, present, and future), all of which are transcended by the Self. According to Shankara, this understanding leads to liberation from the cycle of birth and death. The emphasis on the morning hours signifies the dawn of spiritual awareness, where the individual recognizes their true nature as non-dual consciousness. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of self-inquiry and the pursuit of knowledge, as advocated by Shankara in his commentary on the Taittiriya Upanishad (2.1.1).
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya): In this verse, the wind symbolizes the divine grace that facilitates the opening of the doors, representing the jīva's (individual self) approach to Īśvara (the Lord). Ramanuja's commentary on the Brahmasutras (1.1.1) explains that the Lord's grace is essential for the jīva's liberation. The 'three by three' doors may signify the three modes of material nature (sattva, rajas, and tamas) and the threefold path of devotion, knowledge, and action. The morning hours represent the opportune time for spiritual practice, where the jīva can cultivate devotion and surrender to the Lord. According to Ramanuja, this verse illustrates the interdependence between the jīva and Īśvara, where the Lord's grace enables the jīva to overcome the obstacles on the path to liberation. The emphasis on the wind's non-obstructive nature highlights the Lord's benevolence and willingness to assist the jīva in their spiritual journey. This verse is reminiscent of Ramanuja's concept of 'paratantrya,' where the jīva recognizes their dependence on the Lord and seeks refuge in His grace.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda): This verse offers a profound message for contemporary life, emphasizing the importance of removing obstacles and opening doors to new possibilities. Vivekananda, in his lecture 'The Cosmos: The Macrocosm' (Complete Works, Vol. 2), notes that the individual must strive to overcome their limitations and realize their true potential. The wind, symbolizing the dynamic force of nature, represents the driving force behind human progress. The 'three by three' doors may represent the various aspects of human personality (physical, mental, and spiritual) and the need to integrate them in a holistic manner. The morning hours signify the dawn of a new era, where humanity can awaken to its true potential and strive for a more harmonious and balanced existence. According to Vivekananda, this verse inspires us to cultivate a sense of inner freedom, where we can overcome the constraints of our limited selves and realize our connection to the universal consciousness. This understanding can be applied to various aspects of modern life, such as personal growth, social reform, and environmental sustainability, where the individual can strive to make a positive impact and create a better world for all.