tataḥ śṛṇvan mahate vayaḥsahasreṇa vāvṛdhe
“Then, as he listened, his age increased by a thousand years.”
Structure
tataḥ śṛṇvan mahate vayaḥ sahasreṇa vāvṛdhe
tataḥ (then) śṛṇvan (listening) mahate (to the great one) vayaḥ (my age) sahasreṇa (by a thousand) vāvṛdhe (increased)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tataḥ | tataḥ | indeclinable | — | then, thereafter |
| śṛṇvan | śṛṇvan | verb | √śru · laṭ-present · first | listening |
| mahate | mahate | noun | dative · singular · masculine | to the great one |
| vayaḥ | vayaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · neuter | age, youth |
| sahasreṇa | sahasreṇa | noun | instrumental · singular · masculine | with a thousand |
| vāvṛdhe | vāvṛdhe | verb | √vṛdh · liṭ-perfect · third | it increased |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, 'tataḥ śṛṇvan mahate vayaḥsahasreṇa vāvṛdhe', holds profound significance in the context of Advaita Vedānta, as it underscores the transformative power of knowledge. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, emphasizes the importance of 'śṛṇvan' or listening, as the first step towards self-realization. The increase in age by a thousand years metaphorically represents the transcending of temporal boundaries and the realization of the timeless, ageless Self (Ātman). This verse points to the brahman-ātman identity, where the individual self (jīva) recognizes its oneness with the ultimate reality (Brahman), transcending the limitations of the physical body and mortal existence. Śaṅkarācārya's non-dual reading encourages the seeker to look beyond the literal meaning and delve into the deeper, symbolic significance of the verse, revealing the eternal and unchanging essence of the Self.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition offers a unique perspective on this verse, focusing on the devotional aspect and the relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his Śrī Bhāṣya, might interpret 'tataḥ śṛṇvan' as the act of devout listening to the divine words or instructions of the Lord, leading to spiritual growth and maturity. The 'increase in age by a thousand years' could symbolize the jīva's gradual progression towards liberation, facilitated by the grace of Īśvara. This verse highlights the importance of surrender (prapatti) and the cultivation of devotion (bhakti), where the jīva, through self-surrender and devoted listening, comes to realize its inherent dependence on and connection with the Supreme Lord. Madhvācārya might further emphasize the dualistic aspect, where the jīva, though distinct from Īśvara, achieves its fullest potential through devotion and service to the Lord.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse, in the context of Neo-Vedānta, takes on a universal and practical significance, emphasizing the potential for human transformation and growth. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on 'The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda', often spoke about the importance of 'śṛṇvan' or listening, not just as a physical act, but as a metaphor for receptivity and openness to new ideas and experiences. The 'increase in age by a thousand years' can be seen as a symbol of the immense potential for personal growth and self-realization that lies within each individual. S. Rādhākrishnan, in his 'Indian Philosophy', also underscores the idea that true knowledge and understanding can lead to a profound transformation of the human personality, enabling individuals to transcend their limitations and achieve a higher level of existence. This verse encourages contemporary seekers to embrace a holistic and integrative approach to life, combining the pursuit of knowledge with the cultivation of wisdom, compassion, and self-awareness, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and meaningful existence.