← All Shlokas
Major Upaniṣads · 1.6
यस्तु सर्वाणि भूतान्यात्मन्येवानुपश्यति । सर्वभूतेषु चात्मानं ततो न विजुगुप्सते ॥

yastu sarvāṇi bhūtānyātmanyevānupaśyati | sarvabhūteṣu cātmānṃ tato na vijugupsate ||

“Who sees all beings in the Self itself, and the Self in all beings, feels no revulsion thereafter.”

Scholarly Commentary

Advaita Vedānta(Ādi Śaṅkarācārya)

From the perspective of non-dualistic thought, this verse articulates the ultimate identity of the individual self (Ātman) with the universal consciousness (Brahman). The verb 'anupaśyati' (sees) is key; it implies a direct, intuitive realization rather than intellectual inference. When the seeker perceives that the substratum of all diverse forms is a single, unchanging reality, the illusion of separateness dissolves. The phrase 'tato na vijugupsate' (thereafter feels no revulsion) addresses the core of karma: action stems from identification with the body-mind complex, which leads to aversion toward suffering, decay, and other beings. If the observer realizes that the sufferer and the observer are one, ethical dualism collapses. One does not practice benevolence out of duty or empathy, but because the distinction between self and other has vanished. This is not an ethical choice but an ontological fact. The 'revulsion' disappears because there is no 'other' to revile or fear. The state described is Turiya, the fourth state of consciousness, where subject-object duality is absorbed into pure witnessing. The commentary emphasizes that such vision is not passive; it requires the dissolution of vasanas (latent impressions) that keep the mind fragmented. It is a call to recognize the unity that underlies all phenomena, leading to complete inner freedom and peace, as no conflict can arise between the self and its own reflection.

Vaiṣṇava Tradition(Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya)

In this devotional reading, the verse highlights the relationship between the individual soul (jīva) and the Divine (Brahman/Nārāyaṇa). While philosophically affirming the omnipresence of the divine spirit, the focus shifts to the reciprocal nature of devotion. To see all beings in the Self is to recognize that the Lord pervades every living entity as the witness and sustainer. Consequently, seeing the Self in all beings means perceiving the divine spark within every creature. This realization transforms the practitioner from a detached observer into a loving devotee. 'Na vijugupsate' (feels no revulsion) is interpreted not merely as a lack of aversion, but as the emergence of universal compassion (dayā). When one recognizes that every being is a fragment or manifestation of the Divine, harming another becomes synonymous with harming the Divine itself. This perspective does not necessarily negate the individuality of souls, but elevates their status to that of eternal servants or children of God. The verse supports the ethical framework of Prema Bhakti (loving devotion), where service to all beings is an act of worship. The 'seer' is thus engaged in the world, not as a detached witness, but as an active participant who treats every encounter as a potentially sacred opportunity to serve the Divine. This view harmonizes existential unity with relational plurality, fostering a deep sense of responsibility and tenderness toward the created order.

Neo-Vedānta(Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan)

From a contemporary psychological and ecological perspective, this verse addresses the crisis of alienation in modern life. The 'Self' is understood here as the core of authentic being or consciousness, while 'beings' represent the external world and other individuals. The act of 'seeing' is reinterpreted as conscious presence and mindfulness. When an individual integrates their inner experience with their outer environment, the sense of fragmented identity heals. The phrase 'na vijugupsate' (feels no revulsion) is particularly relevant today, addressing phenomena like eco-anxiety, social isolation, and moral disengagement. When one realizes that the health of the ecosystem and the well-being of others are intrinsically linked to their own psychospiritual state, defensive mechanisms such as avoidance, hatred, or indifference dissolve. This reading promotes an ethic of empathy grounded in shared consciousness. It suggests that violence and cruelty stem from a distorted perception of separation. By cultivating a perspective that honors the interconnectedness of all life, one achieves psychological resilience and social harmony. The verse is thus applied to advocate for mental health practices that foster unity, and for environmental ethics that recognize the intrinsic value of non-human life. It challenges the ego-bound view of the self as isolated, proposing instead a model of radical openness and integration. The 'seer' in this context is the mindful observer who, by recognizing the common ground of existence, transcends fear and conflict, leading to a more compassionate and engaged way of living.

More from this source

View all →
Major Upaniṣads · 1.1ॐ ईशा वास्यमिदँ सर्वं यत्किञ्च जगत्यां जगत् । तेन त्यक्तेन भ…All this world, whatsoever moves on earth, is indwelt by the Lord. Enjoy through…Taittirīya Upaniṣad · 1.1ॐ शं नो मित्रः शं वरुणः । शं नो भवत्वर्यमा । शं न इन्द्रो बृ…The peace-chant: may Mitra, Varuṇa, Aryaman, Indra, Bṛhaspati and Viṣṇu grant us…Major Upaniṣads · 1.2कुर्वन्नेवेह कर्माणि जिजीविषेच्छतँ समाः । एवं त्वयि नान्यथेत…Doing deeds here, one should wish to live a hundred years. For thee there is no …Taittirīya Upaniṣad · 1.2ॐ शीक्षां व्याख्यास्यामः । वर्णः स्वरः । मात्रा बलम् । साम स…'We shall expound phonetics: sound, accent, measure, force, articulation, and co…Major Upaniṣads · 1.3असुर्या नाम ते लोका अन्धेन तमसाऽऽवृताः । ताँस्ते प्रेत्याभिग…Sunless are those worlds, covered in blind darkness; to them after death go all …Taittirīya Upaniṣad · 1.3सह नौ यशः । सह नौ ब्रह्मवर्चसम् । अथातः संहिताया उपनिषदं व्य…'May glory and Vedic lustre come to us both.' Then the lore of combination (saṃh…