nityaṁ paśyedapakṣapātaḥ
“One should see with impartiality always.”
Structure
nityaṁ apakṣapātaḥ paśyet
nityaṁ (always) apakṣapātaḥ (without partiality) paśyet (one should see)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| nityaṁ | nityaṁ | indeclinable | — | always, constantly |
| apakṣapātaḥ | apakṣapātaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | partiality, bias |
| paśyet | paśyet | verb | √paś · optative · third | one should see |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): The verse नित्यं पश्येदपक्षपातः underscores the importance of impartiality in realizing the ultimate truth. According to Shankara, this impartiality is rooted in the non-dual nature of reality, where the distinctions between subject and object, or self and other, are transcended. In his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, Shankara emphasizes that the ultimate reality, Brahman, is beyond all dualities and partialities. This verse, in advocating for impartiality, points towards the realization of this non-dual essence, where the individual self (ātman) is understood to be identical with the universal reality (Brahman). Through such a non-dual reading, one transcends the limitations of partial perspectives, achieving a unified understanding of existence. This unity is the foundation of true knowledge and liberation, as it allows the individual to see beyond the veil of ignorance and perceive reality as it truly is.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The concept of नित्यं पश्येदपक्षपातः, or seeing with impartiality always, is central to the Vaiṣṇava tradition's emphasis on devotion and the relationship between the individual soul (jīva) and the Supreme Lord (Īśvara). For Rāmānujācārya, this impartiality is a key aspect of cultivating bhakti, or devotion, as it allows the devotee to approach the Lord without preconceptions or biases. This verse can be seen as a reminder to the devotee to maintain a balanced and equitable perspective, recognizing the Lord's presence in all beings and thus fostering a sense of universal compassion and love. Madhvācārya, in his Dvaita Vedānta, might interpret this verse as highlighting the distinction between the Lord and the individual souls, yet even in this dualistic framework, the importance of impartiality in understanding and relating to the divine is underscored.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): The message of नित्यं पश्येदपक्षपातः resonates profoundly in contemporary life, emphasizing the universal value of impartiality in our perceptions and interactions. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often stressed the importance of cultivating a broad and unbiased view, seeing the world and its complexities without the distortions of personal prejudice. This, he believed, was essential for true understanding, empathy, and progress. Similarly, S. Radhakrishnan, in his philosophical works, highlighted the need for a synthetic and impartial approach to understanding different perspectives, whether in philosophy, religion, or social issues. This verse, therefore, serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of objectivity and fairness in our personal and collective pursuits, encouraging us to strive for a more inclusive, compassionate, and enlightened worldview.