etad vai khalu mahāntaṃ hy anantam eva ca । tad ekam eva advitīyaṃ yat tattvam asya mahato varaṇam ॥
“This indeed is the great, the infinite; it is one only, without a second, and it is the choice of the great.”
Structure
etad vai khalu mahāntaṃ hi anantam eva ca tad ekam eva advitīyaṃ yat tattvam asya mahataḥ varaṇam
etad vai (this indeed) khalu (truly) mahāntaṃ (great) hi (for) anantam (infinite) eva (only) ca (and) tad (that) ekam (one) eva (only) advitīyaṃ (without a second) yat (which) tattvam (reality) asya (of this) mahataḥ (great) varaṇam (selection)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| etad | etad | pronoun | nominative · neuter singular · neuter | this |
| vai | vai | indeclinable | — | indeed, surely |
| khalu | khalu | indeclinable | — | certainly, indeed |
| mahāntaṃ | mahāntaṃ | adjective | — | great |
| hi | hi | indeclinable | — | for, because |
| anantam | anantam | adjective | — | infinite |
| eva | eva | indeclinable | — | only, indeed |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| tad | tad | pronoun | nominative · singular · neuter | that |
| ekam | ekam | adjective | — | one |
| eva | eva | indeclinable | — | only |
| advitīyaṃ | advitīyaṃ | adjective | — | without a second |
| yat | yat | pronoun | nominative · singular · neuter | which |
| tattvam | tattvam | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | the reality |
| asya | asya | pronoun | genitive · singular · masculine | of this |
| mahataḥ | mahataḥ | noun | ablative · singular · masculine | of the great one |
| varaṇam | varaṇam | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | enclosure, limit |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the non-dual nature of reality, affirming that the ultimate truth (tattvam) is one, infinite, and without a second (advitīyaṃ). Shankara's commentary on the Taittirīyopaniṣad emphasizes that the great (mahāntaṃ) refers to Brahman, which is both the material and efficient cause of the universe. The infinite (anantam) nature of Brahman indicates its limitless and all-pervading essence. The phrase 'one only, without a second' (ekam eva advitīyaṃ) is crucial in establishing the brahman-ātman identity, where the individual self (ātman) is ultimately one with the universal reality (Brahman). This verse, therefore, points to the realization of this unity as the choice of the great (varaṇam), signifying the path to liberation. Shankara's interpretation highlights the importance of understanding this verse as a declaration of the fundamental non-dualism of the Upaniṣads.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition, particularly through Rāmānujācārya, views this verse as emphasizing the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). The 'great' (mahāntaṃ) refers to the Supreme Being, who is both the creator and sustainer of the universe. The 'infinite' (anantam) nature of the Lord signifies His unlimited attributes and powers. The phrase 'one only, without a second' (ekam eva advitīyaṃ) indicates that, despite the apparent multiplicity of the universe, there is only one ultimate reality, which is Īśvara. Rāmānujācārya's commentary would likely interpret the 'choice of the great' (varaṇam) as the devotion to and love for Īśvara, which is the path to liberation for the jīva. This verse, therefore, highlights the importance of recognizing and surrendering to the Supreme Lord, who alone is the ultimate truth and reality.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda and S. Rādhākrishnan, key figures of Neo-Vedānta, would interpret this verse as a call to universal unity and the realization of the infinite potential within every individual. The 'great' (mahāntaṃ) and 'infinite' (anantam) refer to the boundless potential that resides within each person, waiting to be tapped. The phrase 'one only, without a second' (ekam eva advitīyaṃ) signifies the fundamental unity of all existence, transcending differences and dualities. The 'choice of the great' (varaṇam) would be understood as the individual's decision to embark on the path of self-realization, recognizing and actualizing their inner infinite potential. This verse, therefore, serves as a powerful reminder of the universal and practical message of the Upaniṣads, encouraging individuals to strive for self-discovery, unity, and the realization of their highest potential, as echoed in Vivekānanda's emphasis on the potential divinity of man and Rādhākrishnan's stress on the harmony of all existence.