tayoḥ sṛṣṭvā tad brahma prapādayat |
“Having created them, Brahman caused them to procreate.”
Structure
tayoḥ sṛṣṭvā tad brahma prapādayat
tayoḥ (of them) sṛṣṭvā (having created) tad (that) brahma (Brahman) prapādayat (caused to drink)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tayoḥ | tayoḥ | pronoun | genitive or locative dual · dual · masculine or neuter | of or among them two |
| sṛṣṭvā | sṛṣṭvā | indeclinable | — | having created |
| tad | tad | pronoun | accusative singular · singular · neuter | that |
| brahma | brahma | noun | accusative singular · singular · neuter | Brahman |
| prapādayat | prapādayat | verb | √pā · imperfect · third | caused to drink or experience |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse signifies the unity of existence, as it highlights Brahman's role in creating and sustaining the universe. According to Śaṅkarācārya, the creation of the universe is an illusion, and the ultimate reality is Brahman. The act of procreation is a manifestation of Brahman's power, and it reinforces the idea that everything in the universe is an expression of the divine. In this context, the verse underscores the notion that the individual self is not separate from Brahman, but rather an integral part of it. This understanding is crucial for realizing the ultimate truth and achieving liberation. Śaṅkarācārya's commentary emphasizes the importance of contemplating on the nature of reality, and this verse serves as a reminder of the intricate relationship between the creator and the created. By recognizing this unity, one can transcend the limitations of the individual self and experience the ultimate reality.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition interprets this verse as a testament to the power and grace of the supreme deity, Viṣṇu. According to Rāmānujācārya, the creation of the universe is a deliberate act of Viṣṇu, who brings into existence the various beings and entities that populate the world. The act of procreation is seen as a manifestation of Viṣṇu's benevolence, as it ensures the continuation of creation and the perpetuation of the divine plan. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, views this verse as an affirmation of the reality of the world and the individual self. He argues that the creation of the universe is a real event, and the act of procreation is a necessary aspect of the divine plan. In this context, the verse highlights the importance of recognizing the sovereignty of Viṣṇu and the dependence of all existence on the divine will.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse can be seen as a celebration of the creative potential that lies within the universe and the human being. Swami Vivekānanda interprets the verse as a call to recognize the divine spark within oneself and to actualize one's full potential. He argues that the act of creation and procreation is a manifestation of the divine energy that permeates the universe, and that human beings have the capacity to tap into this energy and become co-creators with the divine. S. Rādhākrishnan, on the other hand, views this verse as a testament to the holistic nature of reality, where the individual self is not separate from the universe, but an integral part of it. He argues that the act of procreation is a symbol of the interconnectedness of all existence, and that it highlights the importance of recognizing the unity and interdependence of all beings. In this context, the verse serves as a reminder of the need for a more inclusive and compassionate understanding of the world and our place within it.