sa tu dṛṣṭvā tad gokulaṃ ca dehināṃ . niṣīdyā rājā pṛcchāmāsa vṛpaḥ ॥
“Having seen that, and the cow-herd's settlement, the king sat down and questioned the wolf.”
Structure
sa tu dṛṣṭvā tad gokulaṃ ca dehināṃ niṣīdyā rājā pṛcchāmāsa vṛpaḥ
saḥ (he) tu (then) dṛṣṭvā (having seen) tad (that) gokulaṃ (cow-herd's village) ca (and) dehināṃ (of the body) niṣīdyā (sitting down) rājā (the king) pṛcchāmāsa (asked) vṛpaḥ (the wolf)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| sa | sa | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | he |
| tu | tu | indeclinable | — | indeed |
| dṛṣṭvā | dṛṣṭvā | indeclinable | — | having seen |
| tad | tad | pronoun | accusative · singular · neuter | that |
| gokulaṃ | gokulaṃ | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | cow-herd |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| dehināṃ | dehināṃ | noun | genitive · plural · masculine | of embodied beings |
| niṣīdyā | niṣīdyā | indeclinable | — | sitting down |
| rājā | rājā | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | king |
| pṛcchāmāsa | pṛcchāmāsa | verb | √pṛcch · optative · first | I may ask |
| vṛpaḥ | vṛpaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | protector |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse presents an opportunity for a non-dual reading, where the king, upon seeing the cow-herd's settlement, symbolizes the individual self (jīva) recognizing its true nature amidst the ephemeral world. According to Śaṅkara, the ultimate reality, Brahman, is beyond human comprehension, yet it can be inferred through the negation of worldly attributes (neti neti). The king's inquiry signifies the quest for self-knowledge, echoing the pursuit of understanding the ātman, which is essentially Brahman. In his commentary on the Brahma Sūtras (1.1.1), Śaṅkara discusses the importance of realizing the identity of Brahman and ātman, which is crucial for liberation. This verse, by highlighting the king's introspection, points towards the path of self-inquiry, encouraging the seeker to look beyond the external world and realize the inherent unity of existence.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition interprets this verse in the context of the devotee's (jīva) relationship with the Divine (Īśvara). The king, representing the jīva, approaches the wolf, symbolizing the guidance of a spiritual preceptor, to inquire about the path to liberation. Rāmānujācārya, in his Śrī Bhāṣya (1.1.1), emphasizes the importance of prapatti, or self-surrender, to achieve union with the Lord. This verse illustrates the initial step in the devotional journey, where the seeker acknowledges the need for guidance and surrenders to a higher authority. Madhvācārya would likely view the king's action as an exemplar of the bhakti path, where the devotee, recognizing their limitations, seeks refuge in the Lord, exemplifying the principle of śaraṇāgati, or taking shelter, in the Divine.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse offers a powerful message relevant to contemporary life: the importance of introspection and seeking guidance. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on Practical Vedānta, emphasized the need for self-reflection and the pursuit of knowledge as essential for personal growth and societal progress. The king's decision to sit and inquire symbolizes the pause we must take in our hectic lives to reflect on our values and goals. S. Radhakrishnan, in his book 'The Hindu View of Life,' discusses the universal applicability of Vedāntic principles in fostering global understanding and cooperation. By applying the wisdom of this verse, individuals can cultivate a deeper sense of self-awareness, recognize their place within the larger community, and strive towards a more harmonious and enlightened world. This verse encourages us to explore our inner world, embrace our humanity, and seek wisdom to navigate life's challenges effectively.