apravṛṣyam aprājigāmyam anehaṁ vāyavyam ajasrasaumyam । ajātaṁ ajarāmṛtaṁ yat tan na māyinaḥ sṛjate ca yat .
Structure
apravṛṣyam aprājigāmyam anehaṁ vāyavyam ajasrasaumyam ajātaṁ ajarāmṛtaṁ yat tan na māyinaḥ sṛjate ca yat
yat(what) thingtan(that) thingna(not)māyinaḥ(of the magician)sṛjate(creates)ca(and)yat(what) thingajātam(unborn)ajarā(unaging)amṛtam(immortal)tat(that thing)apravṛṣyam(unwettable)aprājigāmyam(unattainable)anehaṁ(without hate)vāyavyam(wind-like, ethereal)ajasrasaumyam(constantly serene)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| apravṛṣyam | apravṛṣyam | indeclinable | — | unapproachable |
| aprājigāmyam | aprājigāmyam | indeclinable | — | unconquerable |
| anehaṁ | anehaṁ | indeclinable | — | without hate |
| vāyavyam | vāyavyam | adjective | — | wind-like |
| ajasrasaumyam | ajasrasaumyam | indeclinable | — | constantly serene |
| ajātam | ajātam | adjective | — | unborn |
| ajarāmṛtam | ajarāmṛtam | adjective | — | immortal |
| yat | yat | pronoun | nominative · singular · neuter | which |
| tan | tan | pronoun | nominative · singular · neuter | that |
| na | na | particle | — | not |
| māyinaḥ | māyinaḥ | noun | genitive · singular · masculine | of the creator |
| sṛjate | sṛjate | verb | √sṛj · laṭ-present · third | creates |
| ca | ca | particle | — | and |
| yat | yat | pronoun | nominative · singular · neuter | which |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Ṛgveda underscores the non-dual nature of reality, pointing to Brahman as the ultimate, unchanging essence. Shankara, in his commentary on the Brahmasūtras, discusses similar concepts, emphasizing that the unchanging, all-pervading Brahman is the only reality. The phrase 'ajātaṁ ajarāmṛtaṁ' (unborn, ageless, and immortal) refers to Brahman, indicating its timeless and spaceless nature. The Advaitic interpretation of 'apravṛṣyam aprājigāmyam' (not raining, not going) signifies that Brahman is beyond the cycles of nature and human understanding. This verse supports the identity of Brahman and ātman, suggesting that the self is not separate from the ultimate reality but is, in essence, one with it. Through this understanding, the seeker transcends the limitations of the material world, realizing the unity and eternity of the self with Brahman.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is seen as a description of the supreme Lord (Īśvara) who is beyond human comprehension and the natural phenomena. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Brahmasūtras, would interpret 'anēhaṁ vāyavyam' as indicating the Lord's transcendence over the physical elements, including air (vāyu), emphasizing His spiritual and omnipresent nature. The 'ajātaṁ ajarāmṛtaṁ' reinforces the idea of God's eternity and His role as the creator who is not born and does not die. Madhvācārya might view 'apravṛṣyam aprājigāmyam' as highlighting the distinction between the independent Lord and the dependent jīvas (souls), emphasizing the devotee's dependence on God's grace for liberation. This verse, in the Vaiṣṇava perspective, underscores the relationship between the jīva and Īśvara, encouraging devotion and surrender to the supreme Being.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekananda would interpret this verse in the context of the universal and practical application of Vedāntic principles. He might see 'appravṛṣyam aprājigāmyam' as symbolizing the limitless potential of the human spirit, which is not confined by the mundane laws of nature but can aspire to the infinite. 'Ajātaṁ ajarāmṛtaṁ' would signify the eternal and immortal nature of the soul, encouraging individuals to seek their true, unchanging essence beyond the fleeting experiences of life. Rādhākrishnan, drawing from this verse, could emphasize the importance of realizing one's true nature as part of the universal reality, thereby transcending the petty distinctions and conflicts that plague human society. This realization, embodied in the concept of 'vāyavyam' or the all-pervading, encourages a universal brotherhood and a cosmic awareness, bridging the gap between the individual and the universe, and fostering a sense of global unity and peace.