Ayaṃ yajño manuṣaḥ kartum arhati. Ayaṃ yajño mayi gantum arhati.
“This man is worthy to perform this sacrifice, and this sacrifice is worthy to come to me.”
Structure
Ayaṃ yajñaḥ manuṣaḥ kartum arhati Ayaṃ yajñaḥ mayi gantum arhati
Ayaṃ (this) yajñaḥ (sacrifice) manuṣaḥ (a man) kartum (to make) arhati (is able)Ayaṃ (this) yajñaḥ (sacrifice) mayi (in me) gantum (to go) arhati (is able)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ayaṃ | Ayaṃ | indeclinable | — | this |
| yajñaḥ | yajñaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | sacrifice |
| manuṣaḥ | manuṣaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | man |
| kartum | kartum | indeclinable | — | to do |
| arhati | arhati | verb | √arh · laṭ-present · third | is worthy |
| Ayaṃ | Ayaṃ | indeclinable | — | this |
| yajñaḥ | yajñaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | sacrifice |
| mayi | mayi | pronoun | locative · singular · masculine | in me |
| gantum | gantum | indeclinable | — | to go |
| arhati | arhati | verb | √arh · laṭ-present · third | is worthy |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Ṛgveda, 'Ayaṃ yajño manuṣaḥ kartum arhati. Ayaṃ yajño mayi gantum arhati,' underscores the non-dual essence of ultimate reality. Shankara, in his commentary on the Brahmasūtra, interprets such sacrificial references as symbolic of the inner sacrifice of the ego, leading to the realization of the identity of the individual self (ātman) with the ultimate reality (Brahman). The phrase 'Ayaṃ yajñaḥ manuṣaḥ kartum arhati' suggests the capacity of the human to perform this inner sacrifice, while 'Ayaṃ yajñaḥ mayi gantum arhati' indicates the worthiness of this sacrifice to lead to the ultimate goal of realizing one's true nature. This aligns with Shankara's emphasis on the journey of self-discovery and the understanding that all duality is ultimately an illusion, with the goal of achieving liberation (mokṣa) through the realization of Brahman-ātman identity.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is seen as an expression of the loving relationship between the devotee (jīva) and the Lord (Īśvara). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Brahmasūtra, would likely interpret 'Ayaṃ yajño manuṣaḥ kartum arhati' as the human's capacity and duty to engage in acts of devotion and service to the Lord, while 'Ayaṃ yajño mayi gantum arhati' signifies the Lord's gracious acceptance of these acts, leading the devotee to Him. This verse, in the context of Vaiṣṇava philosophy, emphasizes the path of devotion (bhakti) as a means to achieve union with God, highlighting the reciprocal love between the devotee and the Divine. Madhvācārya, with his emphasis on the difference between the soul and God, would still see this verse as validating the practice of worship and devotion as a primary means of spiritual growth and salvation.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): From a Neo-Vedānta perspective, this verse can be seen as a call to practical spirituality, emphasizing the importance of individual effort and responsibility in one's spiritual journey. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often stressed the need for self-effort and the realization of one's own potential. He would likely interpret 'Ayaṃ yajño manuṣaḥ kartum arhati' as the inherent capacity of every individual to strive for spiritual growth and self-realization. The phrase 'Ayaṃ yajño mayi gantum arhati' would represent the universal and eternal principle that guides this journey, leading the individual towards their highest potential. S. Radhakrishnan, with his philosophical approach, might view this verse as an affirmation of the human quest for meaning and the universal principles that guide human existence, underscoring the importance of integrating spiritual values into daily life for personal and societal transformation.