apravṛṇvān vṛṇavai ma ṛṣīṇāṃ sakhibāhuḥ kutasanasya martyasya . na ma idānimahi paśvo vṛṇīmahe na ṛṣayo yanti yato vṛṇīmahe ॥
“The community does not choose me; I choose my companions; at present I do not choose cattle, nor do those sages go whence I choose.”
Structure
apravṛṇvān vṛṇavai mama ṛṣīṇām sakhi-bāhuḥ kutsa-nasya martyasya na mama idānīm ahi paśavaḥ vṛṇīmahe na ṛṣayaḥ yanti yato vṛṇīmahe
Aham (I) apravṛṇvān (do not invite) vṛṇavai (choose) mama (my) ṛṣīṇām (of sages) sakhi-bāhuḥ (friendly-armed) kutsa-nasya (of Kutsa) martyasya (of mortal).Na (not) mama (to me) idānīm (now) ahi (here) paśavaḥ (cattle) vṛṇīmahe (we choose),Na (not) ṛṣayaḥ (sages) yanti (go) yato (from where) vṛṇīmahe (we choose).
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| apravṛṇvān | apravṛṇvān | verb | √vṛ · laṭ-participle · third | not choosing |
| vṛṇavai | vṛṇavai | verb | √vṛ · laṭ-third person singular · third | he chooses |
| mama | mama | pronoun | genitive · singular | my |
| ṛṣīṇām | ṛṣīṇām | noun | genitive plural · plural · masculine | of the sages |
| sakhi-bāhuḥ | sakhi-bāhuḥ | compound | bahuvrīhi · "sakhi-bāhuḥ = sakhi-bāhu" | whose arm is a friend |
| kutsa-nasya | kutsānasya | compound | tatpuruṣa · "kutsānasya = kutsa-anaḥ" | son of Kutsa |
| martyasya | martyasya | noun | genitive singular · singular · masculine | of the mortal |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| mama | mama | pronoun | genitive · singular | my |
| idānīm | idānīm | indeclinable | — | now |
| ahi | ahi | indeclinable | — | |
| paśavaḥ | paśavaḥ | noun | nominative plural · plural · masculine | animals |
| vṛṇīmahe | vṛṇīmahe | verb | √vṛ · laṭ-first person plural · first | we choose |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| ṛṣayaḥ | ṛṣayaḥ | noun | nominative plural · plural · masculine | sages |
| yanti | yanti | verb | √yā · laṭ-third person plural · third | they go |
| yato | yato | indeclinable | — | whence |
| vṛṇīmahe | vṛṇīmahe | verb | √vṛ · laṭ-first person plural · first | we choose |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, when understood through the lens of non-duality, reveals the essence of the identity between brahman and ātman. The statement 'The community does not choose me; I choose my companions' suggests the individual's journey towards self-realization is not dictated by external expectations but by an inner quest for truth. Shankara, in his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, emphasizes the importance of introspection and the pursuit of knowledge that leads to the understanding of the ultimate reality. In this context, 'I do not choose cattle, nor do those sages go whence I choose' can be seen as a metaphor for transcending worldly attachments and aspirations, moving towards the realization that the ultimate truth is not something to be found in external possessions or destinations, but within. This interpretation aligns with Shankara's reasoning in the Taittiriya Upanishad, where he discusses the importance of recognizing one's true nature as being unconnected to external, transient things.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse can be seen as an expression of the jīva's (individual soul's) longing for communion with Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). The act of 'choosing companions' signifies the jīva's inherent desire to be in the company of those who are devoted to the Lord, thereby facilitating its own devotion and spiritual growth. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, highlights the concept of 'prapatti' or surrender, where the jīva, recognizing its limitations and the Lord's omnipotence, seeks refuge in Him. The line 'I do not choose cattle, nor do those sages go whence I choose' can be interpreted as the jīva's recognition of the futility of seeking solace in worldly possessions or destinations, understanding that true peace and liberation can only be achieved through devotion to the Lord. This echoes Madhvācārya's emphasis on the difference between the jīva and Īśvara, where the jīva's liberation is contingent upon its recognition of, and surrender to, the Lord's grace.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the universal applicability of Vedāntic principles to modern life. This verse, when viewed through a contemporary lens, speaks to the importance of individual autonomy and the pursuit of one's true aspirations. The statement 'The community does not choose me; I choose my companions' can be seen as a call to self-directed living, where one is not bound by societal expectations but instead forges one's own path. Vivekānanda, in his speech 'The Necessity of Religion,' highlights the importance of realizing one's own strength and the duty to help others, which aligns with the idea of choosing one's own companions based on shared values and goals. The latter part of the verse, 'I do not choose cattle, nor do those sages go whence I choose,' metaphorically suggests focusing on what truly adds value to one's life, rather than pursuing material wealth or superficial accomplishments. This resonates with Rādhākrishnan's writings on the need for a balance between the individual's spiritual aspirations and the demands of the modern world, emphasizing the pursuit of knowledge, freedom, and Service to Humanity as key components of a fulfilling life.