Ayaṃ gauḥ pitā no 'yaṃ yaśaḥ putraḥ. Ayaṃ me saḥ svid gavyā vāsayiṣṇuḥ.
“This (bull) is our father, and Fame is his son; may he who is capable of making good progeny (of cows) be kind to me.”
Structure
Ayaṃ gauḥ pitā naḥ ayaṃ yaśaḥ putraḥ Ayaṃ me saḥ svid gavyā vāsayiṣṇuḥ
Ayaṃ (this) gauḥ (cow) naḥ (our) pitā (father) ayaṃ (this) yaśaḥ (glory) putraḥ (son) saḥ (that) me (my) gavyā (rich in cows) vāsayiṣṇuḥ (who desires to dwell) svid (indeed)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ayaṃ | Ayaṃ | indeclinable | — | this |
| gauḥ | gauḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | cow |
| pitā | pitā | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | father |
| naḥ | naḥ | pronoun | dative · plural · masculine | to us |
| ayaṃ | ayaṃ | indeclinable | — | this |
| yaśaḥ | yaśaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | glory |
| putraḥ | putraḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | son |
| Ayaṃ | Ayaṃ | indeclinable | — | this |
| me | me | pronoun | dative · singular · masculine | to me |
| saḥ | saḥ | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | he |
| svid | svid | indeclinable | — | indeed |
| gavyā | gavyā | noun | ablative · singular · feminine | from cows |
| vāsayiṣṇuḥ | vāsayiṣṇuḥ | verb | √vās | who desires to stay |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In this verse, the bull symbolizes the unchanging, all-pervading Brahman, while Fame represents the manifested universe. Shankara's commentary on the Taittiriya Upanishad (2.1) clarifies that the ultimate reality is beyond human comprehension, yet it is the essence of everything. This verse points to the non-dual nature of reality, where the distinction between the individual self (jiva) and the universal self (Brahman) dissolves. The bull, as a symbol of Brahman, is the father, and Fame, as a manifestation of Brahman, is the son. The verse invites the seeker to realize the identity of the individual self with the ultimate reality, transcending the limitations of the empirical world. By contemplating the bull and Fame, one can glimpse the unity of existence, as expounded in Shankara's Brahmasutra Bhashya (1.1.1). The non-dual reading of this verse underscores the timeless and spaceless nature of ultimate reality.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya): This verse is seen as an expression of devotion to the Supreme Lord, where the bull represents the Lord's omnipotence and Fame symbolizes the divine grace that flows from Him. Ramanuja's commentary on the Brahmasutras (1.1.1) highlights the loving relationship between the individual soul (jiva) and the Supreme Lord (Īśvara). The verse speaks of the Lord's benevolence, where He, as the father, bestows His grace upon the devotee, and Fame, as the son, is the resulting spiritual growth. The phrase 'may he who is capable of making good progeny (of cows) be kind to me' is an expression of the devotee's humility and yearning for the Lord's mercy. This verse exemplifies the Vaiṣṇava emphasis on bhakti, or devotion, as the means to attain spiritual liberation, as articulated in Ramanuja's Sri Bhashya. The relationship between the jiva and Īśvara is one of loving dependence, where the devotee seeks refuge in the Lord's compassion.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse offers a profound message for contemporary life, as it highlights the interconnectedness of all existence. Swami Vivekananda's lecture 'The Ideal of the Karmayogin' emphasizes the importance of selfless action and the cultivation of virtues like compassion and kindness. The bull, as a symbol of strength and selflessness, represents the ideal of service to others, while Fame signifies the recognition that comes from living a life of purpose and meaning. The verse invites us to reflect on our relationship with the natural world and our responsibility to preserve it for future generations. Radhakrishnan's writings on the Upanishads also underscore the importance of living in harmony with nature, as expressed in the concept of 'Rta' or the cosmic order. This verse encourages us to adopt a holistic approach to life, recognizing the intricate web of relationships between human beings, animals, and the environment, and to strive for a world where every individual can thrive and reach their full potential.