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Major Upaniṣads · 7.11
ऐन्द्रं देवराजं यशसा जगाम । तुष्णीम् ।

Aindraṃ devarājaṃ yaśasā jagāma . Tuṣṇīm .

Indra, the king of the gods, came with glory silently.

Structure

Padaccheda — word separation

Aindraṃ devarājān yaśasā jagāma tuṣṇīm

Anvaya — prose reordering

Devarājān Aindraṃ yaśasā tuṣṇīm jagāma - Devarājān (the king of gods) Aindraṃ (Indra) yaśasā (with glory) tuṣṇīm (silently) jagāma (went)

Word-by-Word Grammar

WordIASTTypeGrammarMeaning
AindraṃAindraṃadjectiveIndra's, pertaining to Indra
devarājāndevarājānnounaccusative · singular · masculineking of gods, Indra
yaśasāyaśasāindeclinablewith glory, gloriously
jagāmajagāmaverb√gam · past tense · thirdhe went, came
tuṣṇīmtuṣṇīmindeclinablesilently

Scholarly Commentary

Advaita Vedānta(Ādi Śaṅkarācārya)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, Aindraṃ devarājaṃ yaśasā jagāma tuṣṇīm, hints at the non-dual nature of reality by suggesting Indra, the king of the gods, moves with glory silently, implying an inherent, unobservable power. Shankara's commentary on the Taittirīyopaniṣad emphasizes the concept of Brahman as the ultimate, unchanging reality. In his Bhashya on this Upanishad, Shankara reasons that all deities, including Indra, are manifestations of Brahman, underscoring the idea that the divine is not separate from the individual self (ātman). This verse, within the context of Advaita Vedanta, points towards the brahman-ātman identity by indicating that even the most powerful of beings operates within the silent, unmanifest realm of Brahman, suggesting that true power and glory are not external but intrinsic to the self.

Vaiṣṇava Tradition(Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya)

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse can be seen as an example of the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Upaniṣads, emphasizes the concept of bhakti (devotion) and prapatti (surrender) as the means to realize one's true nature and attain liberation. The silent movement of Indra with glory can be interpreted as the Lord's grace that moves towards the devotee, guiding them towards their ultimate goal. Madhvācārya, with his emphasis on the difference (bheda) between the Lord and the individual souls, might see Indra's silent glory as a demonstration of the Lord's power and majesty, to which the jīvas must surrender in devotion. Both perspectives highlight the importance of a personal relationship with the divine, with this verse illustrating the divine's initiative in this relationship.

Neo-Vedānta(Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan)

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the universal applicability of Vedāntic principles to practical life. This verse, with its image of Indra moving silently with glory, can be seen as a symbol of the inner strength and peace that one achieves through spiritual practice and self-realization. Vivekānanda might interpret Indra's silent movement as the quiet confidence and grace that arises from a deep connection with one's inner self, unshakeable by external circumstances. Similarly, S. Radhakrishnan, in his philosophical works, stressed the importance of integrating spiritual insights into daily life. He might view this verse as an inspiration for cultivating inner peace and glory, not through external achievements but through a profound understanding and connection with the universal self (Brahman), leading to a life of service, compassion, and wisdom. Both thinkers encourage a practical engagement with spiritual principles, seeing this verse as a reminder of the inner reservoir of strength and wisdom available to all.

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