tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgebhyaḥ sagaraḥ paryavartata ।
“Then Sagar turned to the white monkeys.”
Structure
tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgebhyaḥ sagaraḥ paryavartata
sagaraḥ (Sagara) tataḥ (then) śvetebhyaḥ (white) plavaṅgebhyaḥ ( monkeys) paryavartata (was turned around)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tataḥ | tataḥ | indeclinable | — | then, thereafter |
| śvetebhyaḥ | śvetebhyaḥ | noun | dative/ablative · plural · masculine | from the white or shining ones |
| plavaṅgebhyaḥ | plavaṅgebhyaḥ | noun | dative/ablative · plural · masculine | from the frogs |
| sagaraḥ | sagaraḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Sagara |
| paryavartata | paryavartata | verb | √vart · past · third | turned around, encircled |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In this verse, tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgebhyaḥ sagaraḥ paryavartata, Shankara's non-dual reading would interpret the white monkeys and Sagar as symbolic representations of the ultimate reality, Brahman. The act of Sagar turning towards the white monkeys signifies the individual self (jīva) recognizing its true nature as identical with the universal self (Brahman). Shankara's commentary on the Brahma Sutras (1.1.5) supports this view, emphasizing that the distinctions between entities are illusory and that the true understanding is the recognition of the oneness of all existence. In the context of this verse, such a reading would suggest that Sagar's action is not a physical turning but a metaphorical shift in awareness towards the realization of the Brahman-ātman identity. This understanding aligns with Shankara's reasoning in his Upadesasahasri, where he discusses the removal of ignorance as the path to realizing the non-dual truth.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition, through the lens of Ramanuja and Madhva, would interpret this verse as an illustration of the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Sagar's action of turning towards the white monkeys could be seen as a symbolic gesture of devotion and submission to the divine. Ramanuja, in his Śrī Bhāṣya, emphasizes the importance of bhakti (devotion) as a means to understand and approach the divine. In this context, Sagar's turn towards the monkeys might represent the jīva's movement towards the Īśvara, driven by a desire for union and understanding. This is in line with Ramanuja's concept of prapatti, or self-surrender, where the individual recognizes their dependence on the divine and seeks refuge. Madhva, on the other hand, might view this verse through the lens of his dvaita (dualistic) philosophy, seeing Sagar and the white monkeys as distinct entities, with Sagar's action signifying a conscious decision to acknowledge and approach the divine, reflecting the dual relationship between the jīva and Īśvara.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): From a Neo-Vedānta perspective, this verse can be seen as symbolizing the universal quest for truth and understanding. Swami Vivekananda, in his lectures on the Bhagavad Gita, often emphasized the practical application of spiritual principles in daily life. The image of Sagar turning towards the white monkeys could represent the individual's turn towards their inner self or the universal consciousness. This reading aligns with Vivekananda's teachings on the importance of introspection and the realization of one's true nature. In contemporary terms, this verse could inspire the individual to look inward, to seek the truth within, much like Sagar's symbolic gesture. S. Radhakrishnan, in his writings, highlighted the relevance of Vedantic philosophy to modern life, suggesting that such verses can guide individuals towards a more universal and inclusive understanding of existence. This verse, therefore, serves as a call to introspection and self-realization, encouraging the development of a broader perspective on life, one that acknowledges the interconnectedness of all beings and the pursuit of a universal truth.