Ayaṃ su-hastah / Ayaṃ hastah / me / varadaḥ / priyaḥ / Ayaṃ / me / hastah / sarva-phalī-kṛtā / Nahi / tvayā / samanā / asti / dhanur-viduṣā

Ayaṃ (this) su-hastah (auspicious hand) asti (is) me (my) varadaḥ (boon-giving) priyaḥ (beloved) hastah (hand)Ayaṃ (this) me (my) hastah (hand) sarva-phalī-kṛtā (productive of all results) asti (is)Nahi (not) tvayā (by you) dhanur-viduṣā (the archer) samanā (equal) asti (exists)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In this verse, the phrase 'Ayaṃ suhastāyaṃ hāsto me varadaḥ priyaḥ' can be interpreted to signify the non-dual nature of ultimate reality. According to Shankara, the 'excellent hand' refers to the intellect or buddhi, which is the instrument for realizing the ultimate truth. The 'bestowing benedictions' signifies the power of the Self (ātman) to reveal its true nature. Shankara, in his Brahmasutra Bhashya, explains that the knowledge of Brahman is not something that can be acquired, but rather it is the removal of ignorance that reveals the true nature of the Self. This verse points to the identity of Brahman and ātman, where the individual self is not separate from the ultimate reality. The phrase 'Nahi tvayā sāmaṇo 'sti dhanurviduṣā' can be seen as a pointer to the futility of seeking the ultimate truth through external means, emphasizing the importance of self-inquiry. By realizing the true nature of the Self, one can understand that there is no duality, and the distinction between the individual and the ultimate reality disappears.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition interprets this verse in the context of the loving relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his Śrī Bhāṣya, explains that the 'excellent hand' represents the divine grace of the Lord, which is always available to the devotee. The 'bestowing benedictions' signifies the Lord's power to grant liberation to the devotee. The phrase 'Ayaṃ me hāstaḥ sarvphalīkṛtā' can be seen as an expression of the devotee's dependence on the Lord's grace for achieving the ultimate goal. The comparison with the archer (dhanurviduṣā) highlights the devotee's recognition of the Lord's unmatched power and wisdom. In this context, the verse is not just a statement of the individual's excellence but a declaration of the Lord's supreme excellence and the devotee's complete surrender to His will. The Vaiṣṇava tradition emphasizes the importance of self-surrender (prapatti) and the cultivation of devotion (bhakti) as the means to attain liberation.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse can be seen as a powerful symbol of the human potential for self-realization and the attainment of one's goals. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Bhagavad Gita, emphasizes the importance of self-confidence and faith in one's abilities. The 'excellent hand' represents the individual's inherent capabilities, which can be developed and strengthened through practice and determination. The 'bestowing benedictions' signifies the power of a positive and generous mindset, which can bring about success and fulfillment in all areas of life. The phrase 'Nahi tvayā sāmaṇo 'sti dhanurviduṣā' can be seen as a call to recognize one's unique talents and abilities, and to strive for excellence in all endeavors. According to S. Rādhākrishnan, this verse highlights the importance of cultivating a sense of self-awareness and self-respect, which is essential for achieving true fulfillment and happiness. By recognizing and developing our inner strengths, we can overcome obstacles and achieve our goals, leading to a life of purpose and meaning.

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