sarvāṇi bhūtāni tvaiva tvaṁ ca idam utsṛṣṭvā
“You are indeed all beings, and having created this (universe), you are alone”
Structure
sarvāṇi bhūtāni tva eva tvaṁ ca idam utsṛṣṭvā
tvaṁ eva (you alone) sarvāṇi (all) bhūtāni (beings) idam (this) ca (and) utsṛṣṭvā (having created) tvaṁ (you)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| sarvāṇi | sarvāṇi | adjective | — | |
| bhūtāni | bhūtāni | noun | accusative · plural · neuter | |
| tva | tva | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | |
| eva | eva | indeclinable | — | indeed |
| tvaṁ | tvaṁ | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| idam | idam | pronoun | accusative · singular · neuter | |
| utsṛṣṭvā | utsṛṣṭvā | verb | √sṛj · past participle · third | having created |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, sarvāṇi bhūtāni tvaiva tvaṁ ca idam utsṛṣṭvā, underscores the non-dual nature of reality, where the ultimate reality, Brahman, is both the material and efficient cause of the universe. Shankara, in his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, emphasizes that the world is a projection of Brahman, akin to a dream or illusion, and that the jiva, or individual self, is none other than Brahman itself. The phrase 'tvaiva tvaṁ ca idam utsṛṣṭvā' suggests that the creator and the creation are one and the same, pointing to the identity of Brahman and Ātman. This nondual reading dissolves the distinction between the self and the world, revealing the unity underlying all existence. Shankara's interpretation of this verse as an affirmation of the ultimate reality's singular nature resonates with his broader philosophical project of establishing the identity of Brahman and Ātman.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse, sarvāṇi bhūtāni tvaiva tvaṁ ca idam utsṛṣṭvā, holds profound significance for contemporary life, as it points to the interconnectedness and oneness of all existence. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the practical applications of this verse, urging individuals to recognize their inherent divinity and to strive for self-realization. According to Vivekānanda, the realization of one's true nature as Brahman is essential for overcoming the limitations and suffering of the human condition. S. Radhakrishnan, in his philosophical works, further developed this idea, highlighting the universal and eternal principles underlying this verse. For Radhakrishnan, the verse represents a call to integrate the spiritual and the practical, to recognize the divine in all aspects of life, and to strive for a more harmonious and compassionate world. This verse, in the context of modern Vedānta, inspires a vision of global unity, cooperation, and peace, where individuals recognize their shared humanity and the interconnectedness of all existence.