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Major Upaniṣads · 3.19
तन्नो मयः सृजतां यशः

tanno mayḥ sṛjataṃ yaśaḥ

May that (effulgent Being) create for us fame.

Structure

Padaccheda — word separation

tat no mayah srijatam yasha

Anvaya — prose reordering

mayah (of Maya) no (to us) tat (that) yasha (glory) srijatam (let it create)

Word-by-Word Grammar

WordIASTTypeGrammarMeaning
tattatpronounnominative · neuter singular · neuterthat
nonoindeclinableto us
mayahmayaḥnoungenitive · singular · masculineof Maya
srijatamsṛjataṃverb√sṛj · liṅ-optative · thirdmay create
yashayaśaḥnounnominative · singular · neuterglory

Scholarly Commentary

Advaita Vedānta(Ādi Śaṅkarācārya)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, 'tanno mayḥ sṛjataṃ yaśaḥ', underscores the non-dual nature of reality by hinting at the ultimate identity of the individual self (ātman) with the universal reality (Brahman). According to Shankara, the phrase 'tanno mayḥ' or 'for us' suggests an initial duality that is transcended as the seeker realizes the Brahman-ātman identity. In the Kaṭhopaniṣad, this realization is key to understanding the true nature of the self and the universe. Shankara's commentary on the Kaṭhopaniṣad emphasizes the importance of self-inquiry and the removal of ignorance (avidyā) to realize this unity. By invoking the idea that the ultimate reality may create fame for us, the verse indirectly points towards the liberation from the constraints of worldly recognition, aligning with Shankara's non-dual philosophy where the individual self merges with the Brahman, transcending all fleeting and mundane aspirations.

Vaiṣṇava Tradition(Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya)

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, 'tanno mayḥ sṛjataṃ yaśaḥ' is seen as a call for grace from the supreme Lord (Īśvara) to bestow upon the devotee the gift of true fame or more profoundly, the recognition of one's true nature. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Upaniṣads, would likely interpret this verse as an exemplification of the dependence of the jīva (individual soul) on Īśvara for all accomplishments, including spiritual liberation. The verse encapsulates the devotional path (bhaktimārga) where the seeker prays for divine assistance in realizing the ultimate goal. For Madhvācārya, focusing on the dual nature of reality, this verse might underscore the dependence of the jīva on Viṣṇu, with 'tanno mayḥ' emphasizing the benevolence of the Lord in granting salvation and true recognition, reinforcing the Vaiṣṇava emphasis on surrender and devotion as the primary means to spiritual attainment.

Neo-Vedānta(Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan)

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures, often emphasized the practical application of Vedāntic principles in everyday life. For him, 'tanno mayḥ sṛjataṃ yaśaḥ' would signify the call to action, encouraging individuals to strive for a higher, universal recognition that transcends personal ego. This striving is not merely for individual fame but for the realization of one's true potential and contribution to the world. Vivekānanda might interpret this as a motivational call to selfless action (nishkāma karma), where the ultimate goal is not personal gain but the service to humanity, reflecting the universal and practical application of Vedāntic principles. Similarly, S. Radhakrishnan, focusing on the humanist aspect of Vedānta, would likely see this verse as an inspiration for individuals to pursue their aspirations not for personal glory but for the betterment of society, aligning spiritual growth with social responsibility and ethical living.

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