yad-vācaḥ sṛjanti devāḥ । tad-astu me 'stu ॥
“May what the gods create through speech be that which I create.”
Structure
yat vācaḥ sṛjanti devāḥ tad astu me 'stu
devāḥ (gods) vācaḥ (of speech) yat (what) sṛjanti (create) tad (that) me (to me) astu (be) 'stu (so be it)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| yat | yat | pronoun | nominative · neuter singular · neuter | what |
| vācaḥ | vācaḥ | noun | accusative · plural · feminine | words |
| sṛjanti | sṛjanti | verb | √sṛj · laṭ-present · third | they create |
| devāḥ | devāḥ | noun | nominative · plural · masculine | gods |
| tad | tad | pronoun | nominative · neuter singular · neuter | that |
| astu | astu | verb | √as · liṅ-optative · third | may it be |
| me | me | pronoun | dative · singular | to me |
| 'stu | 'stu | indeclinable | — | an optative particle |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In his commentary on the Kenopaniṣad, Śaṅkarācārya interprets this verse as an expression of the non-dual reality. He argues that the phrase 'yad-vācaḥ sṛjanti devāḥ' refers to the ultimate reality, Brahman, which is the source of all creation. The phrase 'tad-astu me 'stu' is a declaration of the identity of the individual self (ātman) with this ultimate reality. Śaṅkarācārya cites the Bhagavad Gītā (15.17) to support this reading, where Krishna says 'uttamaḥ puruṣaḥ tv anyaḥ', highlighting the distinction between the lower and higher selves. This verse, according to Śaṅkarācārya, points to the direct experience of this ultimate reality, beyond the limitations of language and thought. By affirming 'tad-astu me 'stu', the seeker is, in effect, affirming their own true nature as Brahman.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya): Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Kenopaniṣad, offers a devotional reading of this verse. He interprets 'yad-vācaḥ sṛjanti devāḥ' as a reference to the creative power of the divine, which is ultimately a manifestation of Īśvara's (the Lord's) will. The phrase 'tad-astu me 'stu' is seen as an expression of the jīva's (individual soul's) complete surrender to this divine will. Rāmānujācārya cites the Bhagavad Gītā (18.66) where Krishna says 'sarva-dharmān parityajya mām ekam śaraṇaṁ vraja', emphasizing the importance of surrender. This verse, according to Rāmānujācārya, underscores the relationship between the jīva and Īśvara, highlighting the jīva's dependence on the divine for liberation. By affirming 'tad-astu me 'stu', the devotee is, in effect, seeking to align their own will with the divine will.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, brings out the practical and universal application of this verse. He interprets 'yad-vācaḥ sṛjanti devāḥ' as a reference to the creative power of speech and thought, which has the potential to shape our reality. The phrase 'tad-astu me 'stu' is seen as an affirmation of our own potential to create and shape our lives. Vivekānanda cites his own concept of 'man-making education' to support this reading, where he emphasizes the importance of cultivating the inner strength and confidence to shape one's own destiny. This verse, according to Vivekānanda, points to the human potential for self-transformation and the power of positive thinking. By affirming 'tad-astu me 'stu', the individual is, in effect, tapping into their own inner resources to create a better life for themselves and others.