tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgamebhyaḥ sagaraḥ paryavartata ।
“Then Sagar turned towards the white and jumping (monkeys).”
Structure
tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgamebhyaḥ sagaraḥ paryavartata
sagaraḥ (Sagara) tataḥ (then) śvetebhyaḥ (white) plavaṅgamebhyaḥ ( monkeys) paryavartata (looked around)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tataḥ | tataḥ | indeclinable | — | then, thereafter |
| śvetebhyaḥ | śvetebhyaḥ | noun | dative/ablative · plural · masculine | to/from the white ones |
| plavaṅgamebhyaḥ | plavaṅgamebhyaḥ | noun | dative/ablative · plural · masculine | to/from the hopping ones |
| sagaraḥ | sagaraḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Sagara |
| paryavartata | paryavartata | verb | √vart · past · third | he turned/returned |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In interpreting this verse, Śaṅkarācārya would likely emphasize the non-dual nature of reality, suggesting that Sagar's action symbolizes the individual self (jīva) turning towards the ultimate reality (Brahman). The 'white and jumping monkeys' could represent the distractions and fluctuations of the mind, which the seeker must transcend to realize the identity of Brahman and ātman. Śaṅkarācārya's commentary on the Brahma Sūtras (particularly 1.1.1) explains that the ultimate goal is to understand the oneness of Brahman and ātman, and this verse can be seen as an allegory for that journey. By turning towards the 'white and jumping monkeys,' Sagar is, in essence, turning towards the distractions that he must overcome to achieve self-realization. This reading is in line with Śaṅkarācārya's emphasis on the importance of recognizing the unity of all existence and the illusory nature of the world of distinctions.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): From a Vaiṣṇava perspective, this verse can be seen as an illustration of the relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Lord). Sagar's movement towards the 'white and jumping monkeys' might symbolize the jīva's innate tendency to move towards the divine, represented by the monkeys. The 'white' color could signify purity and the 'jumping' nature of the monkeys might represent the dynamic and ever-changing relationship between the jīva and Īśvara. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Brahma Sūtras, emphasizes the importance of bhakti (devotion) in realizing one's true nature and relationship with the divine. This verse, through Sagar's action, could be interpreted as a call to devotion, where the individual self, amidst the distractions and challenges of the world (represented by the monkeys), turns towards the divine. This interpretation aligns with the Vaiṣṇava emphasis on personal devotion and the loving relationship between the individual and the divine.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda would likely view this verse as a metaphor for the human condition and our capacity for self-reflection and growth. The 'white and jumping monkeys' could represent the myriad thoughts and distractions that we face in our lives, and Sagar's movement towards them could symbolize our ability to confront and understand these distractions. Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Upaniṣads, often emphasized the importance of self-inquiry and the realization of one's true potential. This verse, in the context of contemporary life, could be seen as a reminder of the need to engage with our own thoughts and emotions, to understand them, and to transcend them in pursuit of a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. This reading aligns with Vivekānanda's message of practical Vedānta, encouraging individuals to apply the principles of Vedānta in their daily lives to achieve a more fulfilling and meaningful existence.