Tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgamebhyaḥ sumahātanayaḥ
“Then from the white monkeys with great sons”
Structure
Tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgamebhyaḥ sumahātanayaḥ
Sumahātanayaḥ tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgamebhyaḥ
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tataḥ | Tataḥ | indeclinable | — | then, thereafter |
| śvetebhyaḥ | śvetebhyaḥ | noun | dative/ablative · plural · masculine | from the white ones |
| plavaṅgamebhyaḥ | plavaṅgamebhyaḥ | noun | dative/ablative · plural · masculine | from the jumping ones |
| sumahātanayaḥ | sumahātanayaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | having very great sons |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, 'tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgamebhyaḥ sumahātanayaḥ', suggests a non-dual reading where the white monkeys (śvetebhyaḥ) symbolize the pure aspects of the self. Shankara, in his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, emphasizes the ultimate reality of Brahman and the illusory nature of the world. This verse points to the idea that the great sons (sumahātanayaḥ) born from these pure aspects embody the potential for realizing the Brahman-ātman identity. The white monkeys, free from the taint of worldly impurities, represent the untainted consciousness that is a stepping stone to understanding the ultimate non-dual reality. This interpretation aligns with Shankara's reasoning in his commentary on the Taittiriya Upanishad, where he discusses the five sheaths of the self, leading to the realization of the true, unchanging self, or ātman, which is ultimately one with Brahman.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition views this verse through the lens of devotion (bhakti) and the relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his Śrī Bhāṣya, interprets the white monkeys as symbolic of the devotees who have purified their minds and bodies through worship and service to the Lord. The 'great sons' represent the spiritual offspring of such devotion, embodying virtues and qualities pleasing to Īśvara. This verse, within the context of the Mahābhārata, underscores the importance of cultivating a pure heart and dedicating one's actions to the divine, as a means to attain spiritual growth and proximity to the Lord. Madhvācārya, from a Dvaita perspective, would also see this verse as highlighting the distinction between the jīva and Īśvara, emphasizing that even the great sons, despite their spiritual achievements, remain distinct from the Lord, to whom they offer devotion.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda brings out the universal and practical application of this verse by emphasizing the potential for spiritual growth within every individual. The 'white monkeys' can be seen as symbols of our innate purity and capacity for good. The 'great sons' represent the fulfillment of human potential, achieved when we strive for and embody higher virtues and knowledge. This interpretation aligns with Vivekānanda's teachings on the potential divinity of man, where he encourages individuals to realize their inner strength and strive for self-perfection. In contemporary life, this verse can inspire us to focus on personal purity, both of mind and body, as a foundation for achieving greatness not just for ourselves, but for the benefit of humanity. As S. Radhakrishnan notes, the struggle to realize our higher selves is a common thread through all philosophies, and this verse serves as a reminder of our shared human aspiration towards excellence and unity.