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Ṛgveda · 2.19
अयं यः सेना वृणते वस्य इह । तस्य वृता भूरि चरति ॥

Ayaṃ yaḥ senā vṛṇate vasya iha . Tasya vṛtā bhūri carati .

He who here chooses a multitude for himself, much wealth moves about for him.

Structure

Padaccheda — word separation

Ayaṃ yaḥ senāṃ vṛṇate vasya iha Tasya vṛtā bhūri carati

Anvaya — prose reordering

Ayaṃ (this) yaḥ (who) vasya (of you) iha (here) senāṃ (an army) vṛṇate (chooses) Tasya (his) vṛtā (having been chosen) bhūri (much) carati (moves)

Word-by-Word Grammar

WordIASTTypeGrammarMeaning
AyaṃAyaṃpronounnominative · singular · masculinethis
yaḥyaḥpronounnominative · singular · masculinewho
senāṃsenāṃnounaccusative · singular · femininearmy
vṛṇatevṛṇateverb√vṛ · laṭ-present · thirdchooses
vasyavasyanoungenitive · singular · masculineof you
ihaihaindeclinablehere
TasyaTasyapronoungenitive · singular · masculineof him
vṛtāvṛtānounnominative · singular · femininehas been chosen
bhūribhūrinounnominative · singular · femininemuch
caraticarativerb√car · laṭ-present · thirdmoves

Scholarly Commentary

Advaita Vedānta(Ādi Śaṅkarācārya)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, Shankara emphasizes the non-dual nature of reality. Applying this to the verse 'Ayaṃ yaḥ senā vṛṇate vasya iha. Tasya vṛtā bhūri carati,' we see that the individual who chooses a multitude for themselves is, in essence, seeking to expand their own being. This multitude, or 'senā,' symbolizes the various aspects of the self, which, when recognized as part of the ultimate reality (Brahman), leads to the realization of one's true nature. The wealth that moves about for such an individual is not merely material but is the richness of understanding and experiencing the unity of all existence. Thus, this verse points to the Brahman-ātman identity, where the ultimate goal is to realize that the individual self (ātman) is not separate from the universal consciousness (Brahman). Shankara's reasoning on related passages, such as the Tat Tvam Asi (That Thou Art) of the Chandogya Upanishad, underscores the importance of this non-dual understanding for spiritual liberation.

Vaiṣṇava Tradition(Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya)

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): Rāmānujācārya, in his Vedartha Sangraha, discusses the concept of 'aprthagbhāva,' which refers to the inseparable relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Lord). The verse 'Ayaṃ yaḥ senā vṛṇate vasya iha. Tasya vṛtā bhūri carati' can be seen as illustrating this relationship. The 'senā' or multitude chosen by the individual can be understood as the community of devotees or the various faculties and aspects of the self that are dedicated to the service of the Lord. The wealth that moves about for such an individual is the divine grace and the fulfillment of their spiritual aspirations through devotion and surrender. Madhvācārya, with his emphasis on the difference between the Lord and the individual souls, would likely interpret the verse as highlighting the dependent relationship between the jīva and Īśvara, where the multitude and wealth are blessings from the Lord for those who serve Him with devotion.

Neo-Vedānta(Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan)

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the universal principles of Vedānta, emphasized the practical application of spiritual truths in everyday life. The verse 'Ayaṃ yaḥ senā vṛṇate vasya iha. Tasya vṛtā bhūri carati' can be seen as inspiring individuals to recognize their potential for leadership and service within their communities. The multitude one chooses to associate with represents the power of collective action and the wealth that moves about for such an individual is the result of harmonious and meaningful relationships. S. Rādhākrishnan, in his philosophical writings, often highlighted the importance of integrating individual aspiration with social responsibility. He would likely see this verse as a call to action, encouraging individuals to cultivate a sense of community and mutual support, recognizing that true wealth and fulfillment come from contributing to the greater good and fostering a sense of unity and cooperation among all people.

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