Etena yajus tvayi. Brahma tvayi. Brahmāgreṇa yajus tvayi. Vēdāhaṃ. Ity eṣa te vidyā.
“By this (knowledge) you are the Yajus, you are Brahman, you are born from the Brahman; I know this, this is your knowledge.”
Structure
Etena yajus tvayi Brahma tvayi Brahmāgreṇa yajus tvayi Vēdāhaṃ Ity eṣa te vidyā
Eṣa (this) eva (indeed) tvayi (in you) Brahma (the Ultimate Reality) asti (is present) ; yajus (the Veda) etena (with this) tvayi (in you) Brahmāgreṇa (with the Brahman at the forefront) yajus (the Veda) tvayi (in you) Vēdāhaṃ (I know) ; ity (thus) eṣa (this) te (your) vidyā (knowledge) asti (is)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Etena | Etena | pronoun | instrumental · singular · neuter | with this |
| yajus | yajus | noun | nominative · singular · neuter | the Yajus |
| tvayi | tvayi | indeclinable | — | in you |
| Brahma | Brahma | noun | nominative · singular · neuter | the Brahman |
| tvayi | tvayi | indeclinable | — | in you |
| Brahmāgreṇa | Brahmāgreṇa | compound | bahuvrīhi · "Brahmāgraṃ yena" | with Brahman as the foremost |
| yajus | yajus | noun | nominative · singular · neuter | the Yajus |
| tvayi | tvayi | indeclinable | — | in you |
| Vēdāhaṃ | Vēdāhaṃ | verb | √vid · laṭ-present · first | I know |
| Ity | Ity | indeclinable | — | thus |
| eṣa | eṣa | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | this |
| te | te | pronoun | dative · singular · masculine | your |
| vidyā | vidyā | noun | nominative · singular · feminine | knowledge |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the non-dual nature of reality, emphasizing that the ultimate truth, Brahman, is inherent within the individual self (ātman). Shankara's commentary on the Īśopaniṣad highlights the identity of the individual with Brahman, where he notes that the phrase 'Etena yajus tvayi' points to the yajus (rites and rituals) being essentially a means to realize one's true nature as Brahman. The phrase 'Brahmāgreṇa yajus tvayi' further reinforces this by suggesting that all rituals and knowledge are rooted in and lead to the realization of Brahman within. Thus, this verse supports the central tenet of Advaita Vedānta - the ultimate reality is the non-dual Brahman, and the individual's true Self is identical with this universal Brahman.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is seen as highlighting the intimate relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Īśopaniṣad, interprets 'Etena yajus tvayi' as emphasizing the performance of rituals and duties as a means of devotion to and communion with the Lord, who resides within every being. The phrase 'Brahma tvayi' is understood as affirming the Lord's presence within the heart of every individual, guiding them towards their ultimate goal. Thus, this verse is seen as encouraging a life of devotion and self-surrender to the will of the Lord, recognizing the inherent divinity within every being as a spark of the divine.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda interprets this verse as a call to realize one's inner divinity and Potential. In his lectures, he often emphasized the importance of recognizing the universal principles and applying them in everyday life, citing the Īśopaniṣad as a source of inspiration for realizing one's true nature. Vivekānanda would see 'Etena yajus tvayi' as a reminder that the power to achieve spiritual growth and self-realization lies within each individual, through the practice of self-discipline, service, and meditation. Rādhākrishnan, in his philosophical works, similarly underscores the universal message of the Upaniṣads, including this verse, as a guide for humanity to achieve a higher level of consciousness and harmony with the universe.