tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgebhyaḥ sagaraḥ paryavartata । cakāra pathaḥ pravṛttaḥ pṛthivyā rathena vai ॥
“Then Sagar turned to the white and jumping (horses) and having started on the path to the earth with a chariot.”
Structure
tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgebhyaḥ sagaraḥ paryavartata cakāra pathaḥ pravṛttaḥ pṛthivyā rathena vai
Sagaraḥ (Sagara) rathena (by chariot) vai (indeed) pṛthivyā (of the earth) pathaḥ (path) pravṛttaḥ (having obtained) cakāra (made),tataḥ (then) śvetebhyaḥ (from white) plavaṅgebhyaḥ ( monkeys) sagaraḥ (Sagara) paryavartata (turned)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tataḥ | tataḥ | indeclinable | — | then, thereafter |
| śvetebhyaḥ | śvetebhyaḥ | noun | dative/ablative · plural · masculine | from the white (horses) |
| plavaṅgebhyaḥ | plavaṅgebhyaḥ | noun | dative/ablative · plural · masculine | from the jumping ones (horses) |
| sagaraḥ | sagaraḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Sagara |
| paryavartata | paryavartata | verb | √vart · past · third | turned/changed around |
| cakāra | cakāra | verb | √kṛ · past · third | made |
| pathaḥ | pathaḥ | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | paths |
| pravṛttaḥ | pravṛttaḥ | verb | √vṛt · past participle · third | undertaken/taken |
| pṛthivyā | pṛthivyā | noun | ablative · singular · feminine | of the earth |
| rathena | rathena | noun | instrumental · singular · masculine | with a chariot |
| vai | vai | indeclinable | — | indeed/ surely |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Mahābhārata, 'tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgebhyaḥ sagaraḥ paryavartata', indicates the turning of the mind towards the ultimate reality, akin to Sagar's chariot path. Shankara's interpretation would likely emphasize the allegorical nature of Sagar's journey, symbolizing the individual self (jīva) turning towards the universal self (Brahman). The 'śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgebhyaḥ' or white and jumping horses may represent the sattvic and rajasic qualities of the mind, which must be harnessed to realize the non-dual nature of reality. Through this verse, Shankara might argue that the seeker must navigate the chariot of the self, guided by the intellect, to ultimately realize the identity of brahman-ātman, where the distinctions between the individual and universal dissolve.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse can be seen as an allegory for the devotee's journey towards union with the divine. The 'sagaraḥ' or ocean, symbolizes the boundless and all-encompassing nature of Īśvara (the Lord). Rāmānujācārya might interpret 'paryavartata' as the Lord's gracious turning towards the devotee, initiating the journey of self-discovery and devotion. The 'śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgebhyaḥ' could represent the purified and controlled mind, which becomes the instrument for the devotee to approach the Lord. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, might view this verse as an illustration of the difference between the Lord and the individual self, emphasizing the dependance of the jīva on Īśvara for liberation. Both perspectives highlight the central role of devotion and the relationship between the individual and the divine in achieving spiritual liberation.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda would likely view this verse as a call to action, symbolizing the individual's potential to harness their inner strength and strive for self-realization. The image of Sagar's chariot path, 'cakāra pathaḥ pravṛttaḥ pṛthivyā rathena vai', could represent the power of human will and determination, guided by reason and intellect. Vivekānanda might argue that this verse embodies the universal principles of self-effort and perseverance, applicable to all aspects of life. Similarly, S. Radhakrishnan could interpret this verse as a representation of the human quest for knowledge and understanding, where the journey itself is the destination. He might emphasize the importance of balancing the active and contemplative aspects of human nature, as symbolized by the dynamic image of the chariot, to achieve a holistic and fulfilling life. Both thinkers would connect this ancient verse to contemporary life, highlighting its relevance to personal growth and societal progress.