apravṛṇvantaḥ pitaro vayasyaḥ . ādityavarcāḥ sa jagato gatīm ॥
“The fathers, having the same age, do not obstruct, having the sun-like brilliance, He moves in the universe.”
Structure
apravṛṇvantaḥ pitaro vayasyaḥ āditya-varcāḥ sa jagataḥ gatim
sa (that) āditya-varcāḥ (sun-like brilliant one) apravṛṇvantaḥ (not accepting) pitaroḥ (of the fathers) vayasyaḥ (the companions) jagataḥ (of the world) gatim (the path/motion)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| apravṛṇvantaḥ | apravṛṇvantaḥ | verb | √vṛṇ · laṣṭ- imperfect · third | did not choose |
| pitaro | pitaro | noun | nominative · plural · masculine | fathers |
| vayasyaḥ | vayasyaḥ | noun | nominative · plural · masculine | age-mates |
| āditya-varcāḥ | āditya-varcāḥ | compound | bahuvrīhi · "ādityasya iva varcāḥ yasyāḥ" | one whose splendor is like the sun |
| sa | sa | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | he |
| jagataḥ | jagataḥ | noun | genitive · singular · neuter | of the world |
| gatim | gatim | noun | accusative · singular · feminine | motion/progress |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, Shankara explains that the concept of obstructing or not obstructing (appravṛṇvantaḥ) points to the ultimate reality of brahman, where all distinctions, including those of age and individuality, are transcended. He notes that the 'fathers, having the same age' (pitaro vayasyaḥ) symbolize the unified, unchanging essence that underlies all existence. The phrase 'having the sun-like brilliance' (āditya-varcāḥ) signifies the luminous, self-revealing nature of brahman. Thus, when the verse says 'He moves in the universe' (sa jagataḥ gatim), Shankara interprets this as the pervasive, all-encompassing presence of brahman, underscoring the non-dual identity of the ultimate reality and the individual self (ātman). This reading emphasizes the unity and interconnectedness of all existence, central to Advaita philosophy.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya): Rāmānujācārya, in his Śrī Bhāṣya, interprets this verse through the lens of viśiṣṭādvaita, or qualified non-dualism. He sees the 'fathers, having the same age' as a reference to the liberated souls (jīvanmuktas) who, having achieved spiritual maturity, no longer impede the natural progression of the universe. The 'sun-like brilliance' is associated with the divine luminescence of Īśvara, the personal God, who is the source of all guidance and illumination. The phrase 'He moves in the universe' is understood as the active, benevolent engagement of Īśvara in the world, guiding souls towards liberation. Rāmānujācārya emphasizes the personal relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara, where devotion and surrender are the paths to realizing one's true, liberated nature.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Vedanta philosophy, highlights the universal principles embedded in this verse. He interprets 'appravṛṇvantaḥ' as the idea that our true nature is not limited by external or internal constraints, emphasizing the potential for human freedom and self-realization. The 'sun-like brilliance' symbolizes the inner light of knowledge and conscience that guides humanity. Vivekānanda connects 'He moves in the universe' with the dynamic, evolving nature of reality and human experience, encouraging individuals to embrace their role in this universal movement towards perfection. He sees this verse as a call to recognize and fulfill one's potential, aligning individual aspirations with the broader cosmic and ethical order, and thus contributing to the advancement of humanity. This reading underscores the practical, inspirational value of Vedantic thought for contemporary life and personal growth.