Tataḥ śvetavrajaṃ dṛṣṭvā dadḥvācyutamabravīt .
“Then, having seen the white-dressed one, he spoke to the unerring one.”
Structure
Tataḥ śvetavrajaṃ dṛṣṭvā dadḥvā acyutam abravīt
Tataḥ (then) dṛṣṭvā (having seen) śvetavrajaṃ (the white-dressed one) dadḥvā (with a questioning look) acyutam (the unmoving one) abravīt (spoke)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tataḥ | Tataḥ | indeclinable | — | then, thereafter |
| śvetavrajaṃ | śvetavrajaṃ | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | the white army or the army of the Pāṇḍavas |
| dṛṣṭvā | dṛṣṭvā | indeclinable | — | having seen, on seeing |
| dadḥvā | dadḥvā | indeclinable | — | having gone, on going |
| acyutam | acyutam | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | Kṛṣṇa, one who does not fall or slip |
| abravīt | abravīt | verb | √brū · past · third | he spoke, said |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, 'Tataḥ śvetavrajaṃ dṛṣṭvā dadḥvācyutamabravīt,' when viewed through the lens of non-duality, suggests the witnessing of the ultimate reality beyond temporal and spatial limitations. Shankara's commentary on similar passages in the Mahābhārata often emphasizes the distinction between the empirical world and the realm of Brahman. Here, 'śvetavrajaṃ' (the white-dressed one) can be seen as a symbol of purity, pointing towards the Ātman, which is beyond human conception. The 'unerring one' (Acyutam) signifies the infallible and immutable nature of Brahman. This verse, thus, points to the identity of Brahman and Ātman, where the individual self (jīva) recognizes its true nature as unseparable from the ultimate reality. Shankara's reasoning, as seen in his Brahmasūtra Bhāṣya, underscores the importance of recognizing this non-dual reality for liberation.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): From a Vaiṣṇava perspective, this verse can be interpreted as an expression of devotion and the personal relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, emphasizes the concept of apratyakṣatva, or the idea that the Lord is known only through the scriptures and not by direct perception. Here, 'śvetavrajaṃ' could represent the pure and faultless nature of the Lord, while 'Acyutam' signifies His infallible and eternal presence. The act of speaking to the unerring one can be seen as a metaphor for devotion and prayer, where the jīva seeks guidance and union with Īśvara. Madhvācārya, in his Dvaita philosophy, might interpret this as a direct interaction between the devotee and the Lord, emphasizing the real and personal relationship between them.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): In contemporary times, this verse can be seen as a call to introspection and self-realization. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures, often spoke about the importance of realizing one's true nature and potential. The 'white-dressed one' can symbolize the pure and untainted aspect of the self, which needs to be recognized and nurtured. The conversation with the 'unerring one' represents the quest for knowledge and understanding that guides us towards our inner selves. This verse, thus, has a universal application, encouraging individuals to seek their true identities beyond the external world. S. Radhakrishnan, in his writings, highlighted the human quest for the ultimate reality, suggesting that this verse can inspire us to look beyond the empirical world and strive for a deeper, spiritual understanding of ourselves and the universe.