oṁ yadvedaḥ śāstram śāsane 'nusthitam
“That which is established in the Veda, the Shastra and the Sasana (tradition).”
Structure
oṁ yad vedaḥ śāstram śāsane anusthitam
yad (what) śāstram ( scripture) vedaḥ (Vedas) śāsane (in the rule) anusthitam (are situated) oṁ ( Om )
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| oṁ | oṃ | indeclinable | — | sacred syllable, invocation |
| yad | yad | pronoun | nominative · neuter singular · neuter | what, which |
| vedaḥ | vedāḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Veda, knowledge |
| śāstram | śāstram | noun | nominative · singular · neuter | treatise, scripture |
| śāsane | śāsane | noun | locative · singular · masculine | in the command, in the teaching |
| anusthitam | anusthitam | verb | √sthā · past participle · third | established, promulgated |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse is pivotal in establishing the non-dual nature of reality. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Muṇḍakopaniṣad, emphasizes that the Vedas, Shastra, and tradition all point to the ultimate reality of Brahman, which is beyond duality. He argues that the phrase 'yad vedaḥ śāstram śāsane anusthitam' underscores the unity of all knowledge and tradition, leading to the realization of the identity of Ātman and Brahman. This interpretation is in line with Shankara's overall philosophy of non-duality, where the distinctions between the individual self and the ultimate reality are transcended. In his Brahma Sutra Bhashya, Shankara further elucidates this concept, stating that the ultimate goal is to realize the oneness of all existence, unencumbered by the limitations of dualistic thinking.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): Rāmānujācārya, in his Sri Bhashya, interprets this verse as highlighting the importance of tradition and scripture in understanding the relationship between the individual self (jīva) and the supreme lord (Īśvara). He argues that the phrase 'yad vedaḥ śāstram śāsane anusthitam' emphasizes the role of the Vedas and Shastra in guiding the devotee towards a deeper understanding of their dependence on God. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, emphasizes the distinction between the individual self and the supreme lord, arguing that this verse points to the ultimate reality of Īśvara as the sole governing principle of the universe. Both Rāmānuja and Madhva, however, agree that this verse underscores the importance of devotional practice and the study of scripture in achieving spiritual liberation.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Upaniṣads, interprets this verse as a call to universal harmony and the recognition of the unity of all existence. He argues that the phrase 'yad vedaḥ śāstram śāsane anusthitam' points to the common thread that runs through all traditions and scriptures, emphasizing the importance of tolerance, acceptance, and compassion. S. Rādhākrishnan, in his book 'Indian Philosophy', further develops this idea, stating that this verse represents the culmination of the Upaniṣadic vision, where the distinctions between the individual self and the ultimate reality are transcended, leading to a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of all existence. Both Vivekānanda and Rādhākrishnan emphasize the practical application of this verse in contemporary life, advocating for a more inclusive and harmonious world.