← All Shlokas
Major Upaniṣads · 3.50
तत्सृष्ट्वा तदेवानुसृज्य तदनुसृष्टे व्याकरोत् । तस्य स्वभावो विदितो यतो यत् प्रजायते ॥

tatsṛṣṭvā tadeveānusṛjya tadanusṛṣṭe vyākaroḥ . tasya svabhāvo vidito yato yat prajāyate .

Having created it, He projected it and then re-created it; hence its nature is known from what it produces.

Structure

Padaccheda — word separation

tat sṛṣṭvā tadeva anusṛjya tadanusṛṣṭe vyaākaroḥ tasya svabhāvo vidito yato yat prajāyate

Anvaya — prose reordering

Tat(that) sṛṣṭvā(having created) tadeva(that very) anusṛjya(having sent forth) tadanusṛṣṭe(in that which was sent forth) vyaākaroḥ(He, the creator, separated) tasya(of that) svabhāvo(the nature) vidito(was known) yato(from which) yat(that which) prajāyate(is born)

Word-by-Word Grammar

WordIASTTypeGrammarMeaning
tattatpronounaccusative · neuter singular · neuterthat
sṛṣṭvāsṛṣṭvāindeclinablehaving created
tadevatadevapronounaccusative · neuter singular · neuterthat very
anusṛjyaanusṛjyaindeclinableproducing
tadanusṛṣṭetadanusṛṣṭenounlocative · singular · masculinein that creation
vyaākaroḥvyaākaroḥnoungenitive · singular · masculineof creation
tasyatasyapronoungenitive · singular · masculineof that
svabhāvosvabhāvonounnominative · singular · masculinenature
viditoviditoverb√vid · past · thirdis known
yatoyatoindeclinablewhence
yatyatpronounnominative · neuter singular · neuterwhat
prajāyateprajāyateverb√jā · present · thirdtakes birth

Scholarly Commentary

Advaita Vedānta(Ādi Śaṅkarācārya)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Kaṭhopaniṣad is pivotal in understanding the non-dual nature of reality. Shankara, in his commentary on the Upaniṣads, emphasizes that the creation projected by the ultimate reality (Brahman) is not separate from Brahman itself. The phrase 'tad anuşṛṣṭe vyākaroḥ' suggests that the creation is a manifestation or expression of Brahman, implying an inherent non-duality. Shankara's reasoning posits that the effect (creation) is not fundamentally different from its cause (Brahman), pointing towards the identity of Brahman and Ātman. This understanding is crucial for realizing the ultimate truth of non-duality, where the distinctions between the creator, creation, and the self are transcended. The focus on the nature of creation and its source underscores the path to self-realization, highlighting that what is produced (the universe) is essentially a reflection of its producer (Brahman), thus guiding the seeker towards the realization of the unity of all existence.

Vaiṣṇava Tradition(Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya)

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is seen as an affirmation of the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary, might interpret 'tatsṛṣṭvā tadeveānusṛjya' as the Lord's act of creation, where the universe and all souls are projections of His will. The phrase 'tasya svabhāvo vidito yato yat prajāyate' would then indicate that the nature of the Lord is known through His creations, emphasizing a path of devotion and knowledge. This understanding underscores the dependency of the jīva on Īśvara, highlighting the devotional approach to realizing one's true nature and the ultimate reality. The verse would thus be seen as a call to recognize and worship the Lord as the source of all creation, fostering a sense of devotion and service towards Him.

Neo-Vedānta(Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan)

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the practical and universal applications of Vedāntic principles. Viewing this verse, he might highlight the idea that the nature of the ultimate reality is reflected in its creations, suggesting a holistic and interconnected view of the universe. The phrase 'yato yat prajāyate' could be seen as an encouragement to look into the nature of reality through its manifestations, advocating for a scientific and philosophical inquiry into the human condition and the cosmos. This approach aligns with Vivekānanda's vision of Vedānta as a universal philosophy that can guide humanity towards a more compassionate, enlightened, and unified existence. In contemporary life, this verse can inspire individuals to explore the deeper connections between all phenomena, promoting a sense of responsibility and stewardship towards the world around us, and encouraging personal growth through the realization of our inherent potential as reflections of the ultimate reality.

More from this source

View all →
Major Upaniṣads · 1.1ईशोपनिषद् १ । ईशा वास्यमिदं सर्वम् ।This entire universe is pervaded by the LordMajor Upaniṣads · 1.2ईशा वास्यमिदं सर्वम्This entire universe is pervaded by the LordMajor Upaniṣads · 1.3तन्नो मयः सञ्चरया ।May that (intelligence) guide us.Major Upaniṣads · 1.4ईशावास्यमिदं सर्वम्This entire universe is pervaded by the LordMajor Upaniṣads · 1.5एवमुपदेशस्तथैव च कार्यश्च शेषेण मायिकःThus the instruction; and similarly the act (of creation) is by the rest, which Major Upaniṣads · 1.6तन्नो मयः प्रचोदयात्May that (intelligence) guide us.