ātmā tu parihāryaḥ sarvasmād api rājataḥ
“The Self alone should be chosen, even from a king, as the highest gain.”
Structure
ātmā tu parihāryaḥ sarvasmāt api rājataḥ
ātmā (Self) tu (indeed) sarvasmāt (from all) api (even) rājataḥ (from a king) parihāryaḥ (should be discarded)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ātmā | ātmā | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | self |
| tu | tu | indeclinable | — | indeed, surely |
| parihāryaḥ | parihāryaḥ | verb | √hṛ · adhikaranaśānta · third | to be abandoned |
| sarvasmāt | sarvasmāt | compound | tatpuruṣa · "sarvasmāt" | from all |
| api | api | indeclinable | — | also, even |
| rājataḥ | rājataḥ | noun | ablative · singular · masculine | king |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the paramount importance of realizing the true Self, which is none other than Brahman. Shankara, in his commentary on the Taittiriya Upanishad, emphasizes that the ultimate goal is to understand the identity of the individual self (ātman) with the universal Self (Brahman). The phrase 'ātmā tu parihāryaḥ' reinforces this idea, suggesting that one should forsake all worldly attachments, even the allure of kingship, to attain the knowledge of the Self. This aligns with Shankara's notion of 'vairagya' or detachment, a crucial step towards achieving Self-realization. By choosing the Self, one transcends the ephemeral nature of worldly gains, including royalty, and discovers the eternal and unchanging essence that resides within.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is seen as an exhortation to prioritize devotion to the Supreme Lord (Īśvara) over worldly pursuits. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, highlights the importance of cultivating bhakti (devotion) towards God, which ultimately leads to the realization of one's true nature as a servant of the Lord. The phrase 'sarvasmād api rājataḥ' suggests that even the most desirable worldly position, such as kingship, is inferior to the joy and fulfillment derived from loving devotion to God. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, would emphasize the difference between the individual self (jīva) and the Supreme Lord, yet both agree that the ultimate goal is to seek refuge in God, renouncing all worldly attachments, including the desire for royal status.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse holds profound significance in contemporary life, as it underscores the importance of prioritizing personal growth and spiritual development over external markers of success. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures, often emphasized the need to look beyond material wealth and power, and to cultivate inner strength and wisdom. The phrase 'ātmā tu parihāryaḥ' can be seen as a call to introspection, encouraging individuals to focus on their inner Self and to recognize their true potential. S. Radhakrishnan, in his writings, highlights the universal applicability of this verse, suggesting that it is a reminder to seek fulfillment and happiness from within, rather than relying solely on external sources. This verse thus offers a timeless message of self-empowerment and spiritual growth, relevant to people from all walks of life.