← All Shlokas
Ṛgveda · 2.8
अयं यः सेना युयुत्सति योधी संग्रामे हि प्रथितः ।

Ayaṃ yaḥ senā yuyutsati yodhī saṅgrāme hi prathitaḥ.

He who wishes to fight in the battle, he is the famous warrior.

Structure

Padaccheda — word separation

Ayaṃ - yaḥ - senā - yuyutsati - yodhī - saṅgrāme - hi - prathitaḥ

Anvaya — prose reordering

yaḥ (who) yodhī (a warrior) ayaṃ (this) saṅgrāme (in battle) senā (with army) yuyutsati (wishes to fight) hi (indeed) prathitaḥ (is renowned)

Word-by-Word Grammar

WordIASTTypeGrammarMeaning
AyaṃAyaṃpronounnominative · singular · masculinethis
yaḥyaḥpronounnominative · singular · masculinewho
senāsenānounnominative · singular · femininearmy
yuyutsatiyuyutsativerb√yut · present · thirdwishes to fight
yodhīyodhīnounnominative · singular · masculinewarrior
saṅgrāmesaṅgrāmenounlocative · singular · masculinein battle
hihiindeclinableindeed
prathitaḥprathitaḥverb√prath · past participle · thirdcelebrated

Scholarly Commentary

Advaita Vedānta(Ādi Śaṅkarācārya)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, Ayaṃ yaḥ senā yuyutsati yodhī saṅgrāme hi prathitaḥ, when understood through the lens of non-dualism, reveals the ultimate truth of brahman-ātman identity. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Brahmasūtras, emphasizes the importance of recognizing the Self (ātman) as the unchanging essence beyond all temporary manifestations, including the ego's identification with being a warrior or any other role. The phrase 'Ayaṃ yaḥ' (he who) points towards the individual self, yet Shankara would argue that this self is not the ultimate reality but a manifestation of the supreme brahman. The true warrior, according to this interpretation, fights not with weapons but with the knowledge of the Self, understanding that the real battle is against ignorance (avidyā). This verse, thus, invites the seeker to look beyond the superficial levels of reality and strive for the realization of the non-dual truth, where the distinctions between the individual self and the supreme brahman dissolve.

Vaiṣṇava Tradition(Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya)

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse from the Ṛgveda is seen as an illustration of the devotee's (jīva) relationship with the Lord (Īśvara). Rāmānujācārya, a key figure in Viśiṣṭādvaita Vedānta, would interpret 'Ayaṃ yaḥ senā yuyutsati yodhī' as the devotee who, with faith and devotion, wages war against the inner enemies of lust, anger, and greed. The 'senā' (army) here symbolizes the collective forces of virtues and good deeds amassed by the devotee under the guidance of the Lord. The 'saṅgrāme' (battle) represents the constant struggle between good and evil within the self, with the devotee emerging victorious through the Lord's grace. Madhvācārya, from the Dvaita Vedānta perspective, would further emphasize the distinction between the jīva and Īśvara, highlighting that the true warrior is one who recognizes and submits to the will of the Lord, fighting the battle of life with the Lord as their commander.

Neo-Vedānta(Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan)

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, a champion of Neo-Vedānta, would interpret this verse as a call to inner strength and courage in the face of life's challenges. He often spoke about the need for individuals to find their inner warrior, the courage and resilience that comes from understanding one's true nature. In his lectures, Vivekānanda emphasized the importance of self-realization and the cultivation of virtues as the means to achieve true victory in life. Sarvepalli Rādhākrishnan, another key figure in modern Indian philosophy, would further underscore the universal applicability of this verse, seeing in it a message of hope and perseverance. According to Rādhākrishnan, the 'yodhī' (warrior) represents the ideal human being who engages in the battle of life with wisdom, compassion, and courage, embodying the principles of dharma and contributing to the greater good of society. This interpretation aligns with Rādhākrishnan's emphasis on the relevance of Vedāntic principles in contemporary life, urging individuals to strive for a harmonious balance between their personal aspirations and the well-being of the community.

More from this source

View all →
Ṛgveda · 1.1अग्निमीडे पुरोहितम् । यज्ञस्य देवम् ऋत्विजम् ।I praise Agni, the chief priest, the divine officiant of the sacrifice.Ṛgveda · 1.2आदित्य एकचक्र इह प्रबोधय || त्वमेको देवसखः किल तन्नःMake the one-wheeled Aditya aware here; You alone are the friend of the gods, weṚgveda · 1.3अग्निमीडे पुरोहितं यज्ञस्य देवमृत्विजम् । होतारमिन्द्राग्नयोI praise Agni, the priest, the divine sacrificer, the invoker of Indra and Agni.Ṛgveda · 1.4अग्निमीड्ये पुरोहितम् यज्ञस्य देवम_rtvidाम् | होतारमिन्द्रागI praise Agni, the priest who invokes the divine in the sacrifice, the sacrificeṚgveda · 1.5अग्निर्मूर्धा दिवः पावकः ।Agni is the head or top of the sky, a purifier.Ṛgveda · 1.6अयं गौः शृण्वन्तु गावो दिशः सर्वतः । न त्वं दिशः पार्श्वं न May this cow hear and may cows in all directions hear; you are not in any direct