Nṛpateḥ vinayopyāyād vinītasya agrataḥ smṛtiḥ । Tadāgrāhya mahābhāvād dhi rājā bhavati śāśvataḥ ॥
“The memory of a king's humility and his graciousness towards the humble brings about a great and lasting effect.”
Structure
Nṛpateḥ vinayaḥ upa-āyāt vinītasya agre smṛtiḥ tat āgrahya mahā-bhāvāt hi rājā bhavati śāśvataḥ
Nṛpateḥ (of the king) vinayaḥ (humility) upa-āyāt (comes) vinītasya (of the humble) agre (in front) smṛtiḥ (remembrance) hi (indeed) tat (that) āgrahya (having taken) mahā-bhāvāt (from a great state) rājā (the king) śāśvataḥ (eternal) bhavati (becomes)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nṛpateḥ | Nṛpateḥ | noun | genitive · singular · masculine | of the king |
| vinayaḥ | vinayaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | modesty |
| upa-āyāt | upa-āyāt | verb | √ā · past · third | has come near/ approached |
| vinītasya | vinītasya | noun | genitive · singular · masculine | of the modest one |
| agre | agre | indeclinable | — | in front of |
| smṛtiḥ | smṛtiḥ | noun | nominative · singular · feminine | remembrance/ memory |
| tat | tat | pronoun | accusative · singular · neuter | that |
| āgrahya | āgrahya | verb | √grah · imperative · second | seize/ accept |
| mahā-bhāvāt | mahā-bhāvāt | compound | bahuvrīhi · "mahān bhāvaḥ yasyāḥ" | from great devotion/ state of mind |
| hi | hi | indeclinable | — | indeed/ for |
| rājā | rājā | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | king |
| bhavati | bhavati | verb | √bhū · present · third | becomes/ exists |
| śāśvataḥ | śāśvataḥ | indeclinable | — | eternal/ perpetual |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse illustrates the importance of humility in a king, which is a reflection of the non-dual nature of reality. According to Shankara, the king's humility is a means to realize the ultimate truth, where the distinctions between the ruler and the ruled, the high and the low, disappear. The verse 'Nṛpateḥ vinayopyāyād vinītasya agrataḥ smṛtiḥ' suggests that the king's graciousness towards the humble is a reminder of the impermanence of worldly power and the inevitability of fate, leading to a realization of the brahman-ātman identity. As Shankara notes in his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, 'the knowledge of the Self is the means to attain liberation' (BS 1.1.1). This verse, in the context of Advaita Vedanta, points to the idea that true knowledge and liberation can be achieved by transcending the ego and embracing humility, ultimately realizing the non-dual nature of reality.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is seen as exemplifying the ideal relationship between the jīva (the individual self) and Īśvara (the supreme lord). The king's humility and graciousness towards the humble are virtues that are pleasing to God, and demonstrate a recognition of the lord's sovereignty over all creation. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, emphasizes the importance of humility and devotion in achieving a loving relationship with God. The verse 'Nṛpateḥ vinayopyāyād vinītasya agrataḥ smṛtiḥ' suggests that the king's humility is a means to cultivate a sense of dependence on God, and to recognize the divine presence in all beings. This, in turn, leads to a deeper devotion and a more intimate relationship with the lord, as described in the Vaishnava concept of 'bhakti' or loving devotion.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse has a profound relevance to contemporary life, as it highlights the importance of humility and compassion in leadership. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the 'Ideals of Life', emphasized the need for individuals to cultivate humility and a sense of service to others. The verse 'Nṛpateḥ vinayopyāyād vinītasya agrataḥ smṛtiḥ' suggests that true greatness is not measured by power or wealth, but by the ability to uplift and serve others. S. Radhakrishnan, in his writings on the 'Hindu View of Life', notes that the ideal of the 'seva' or service is central to Hindu philosophy, and that it is through selfless service that individuals can realize their full potential and contribute to the greater good. This verse, in the context of modern life, encourages individuals to embrace a sense of humility and social responsibility, and to strive for a more compassionate and equitable society.