na tu evaṁ vijānīyād yo 'nyāṁ prāsavedavedataḥ । sa dharmeṇa yujyamāno vedena vinded apāmṛtam ॥ 69 ॥
“One who knows not in such a way does not know the Veda; having been united with the Dharma, he who knows, finds the immortal Truth through the Veda.”
Structure
na tu evaṁ vijānīyāt yaḥ anyāṁ prāsavitum iccheta veda-tataḥ sa dharmeṇa yujyamāno vedena vindet apāmṛtam
saḥ (he) veda-tataḥ (from Veda) anyāṁ (other) prāsavitum (to drink) iccheta (wishes) na tu (not indeed) evaṁ (thus) vijānīyāt (should know)saḥ (he) dharmeṇa (with Dharma) yujyamāno (being joined) vedena (with Veda) apāmṛtam (nectar) vindet (finds)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| tu | tu | indeclinable | — | indeed, however |
| evaṁ | evaṁ | indeclinable | — | thus, in this way |
| vijānīyāt | vijānīyāt | verb | √jñā · liṅ-optative · third | one should know, understand |
| yaḥ | yaḥ | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | who |
| anyāṁ | anyāṁ | pronoun | accusative · singular · feminine | other, another |
| prāsavitum | prāsavitum | verb | √sā | to cause to flow forth, to impart |
| iccheta | iccheta | verb | √iṣ · liṅ-optative · third | wishes, desires |
| veda-tataḥ | veda-tataḥ | compound | tatpuruṣa · "vedena tataḥ" | from the Veda |
| saḥ | saḥ | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | he |
| dharmeṇa | dharmeṇa | noun | instrumental · singular · masculine | with dharma |
| yujyamāno | yujyamāno | verb | √yuj · present participle · third | being joined, engaged |
| vedena | vedena | noun | instrumental · singular · masculine | with the Veda |
| vindet | vindet | verb | √vind · liṅ-optative · third | may find, obtain |
| apāmṛtam | apāmṛtam | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | immortality |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse highlights the importance of understanding the Veda in a non-dual context. Shankara's commentary on the Kaṭhopaniṣad emphasizes that true knowledge of the Veda can only be achieved when one transcends the limitations of the individual self and realizes the ultimate reality of Brahman. The phrase 'na tu evaṁ vijānīyāt' suggests that mere intellectual understanding of the Veda is insufficient; rather, one must experience the unity of Brahman and Ātman. Shankara's reasoning, as seen in his commentary on the Taittirīya Upaniṣad, is that the Veda is not just a collection of texts, but a means to realize the ultimate truth, which is the identity of Brahman and Ātman. This verse thus points to the brahman-ātman identity, emphasizing that true knowledge can only be achieved through a deep understanding of this unity.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is seen as emphasizing the importance of devotion and surrender to Īśvara in order to truly understand the Veda. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Brahma Sūtras, highlights the relationship between the jīva and Īśvara, emphasizing that the individual self can only achieve true knowledge and liberation through devotion to the Lord. The phrase 'dharmeṇa yujyamāno' suggests that one must be united with dharma, or righteous living, in order to experience the divine. This verse thus underscores the devotional reading of the Veda, where the ultimate goal is not just intellectual understanding, but a personal relationship with Īśvara, leading to liberation and eternal bliss.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekananda, in his lectures on the Upaniṣads, emphasizes the universal and practical application of this verse. He sees the Veda as a means to achieve spiritual growth and self-realization, which is not limited to any particular tradition or sect. The phrase 'vindet apāmṛtam' suggests that true knowledge and liberation can be achieved through a deep understanding of the Veda, which is accessible to all. Vivekananda's emphasis on the importance of spiritual practice and self-inquiry is reflected in this verse, where one must go beyond mere intellectual understanding and experience the truth for oneself. This verse thus connects to contemporary life, highlighting the importance of spiritual seeking and self-inquiry in achieving a deeper understanding of oneself and the world.