tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgebhyaḥ pavanehindriyehyaḥ
“Then from the white monkeys with the power to leap and with the wind-like senses”
Structure
tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgebhyaḥ pavanehindriyehyaḥ
tataḥ (then) śvetebhyaḥ (from the white ones) plavaṅgebhyaḥ (from the jumpers) pavanehindriyehyaḥ (to the wind-senses)
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 |
| plavaṅgebhyaḥ | plavaṅgebhyaḥ | noun | dative/ablative · plural · masculine | from the leaping ones |
| pavanehindriyehyaḥ | pavanehindriyehyaḥ | noun | dative/ablative · plural · masculine | to/towards the wind-gods |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In his commentary on the Mahābhārata, Shankara interprets the 'white monkeys with the power to leap' as a metaphor for the mind's ability to jump between various states of consciousness. He argues that the 'wind-like senses' symbolize the subtle and all-pervading nature of the ultimate reality, Brahman. According to Shankara, this verse points to the non-dual nature of reality, where the distinction between the individual self (ātman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman) is transcended. The 'white monkeys' represent the pure and unblemished nature of the Self, which is ultimately one with Brahman. Shankara's reasoning on this verse is closely related to his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, where he explains that the ultimate reality is beyond human comprehension and can only be experienced through the negation of all duality (Brahma Sutra 2.1.14). This verse, therefore, serves as a reminder of the illusory nature of the world and the need to seek the ultimate reality that lies beyond.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): Rāmānujācārya interprets the 'white monkeys' as devotees of Lord Vishnu, who possess the power to leap over the obstacles of samsara and attain liberation. The 'wind-like senses' represent the all-pervading and omnipresent nature of the Lord, who is the ultimate reality. According to Rāmānujācārya, this verse highlights the relationship between the individual self (jīva) and the ultimate reality (Īśvara), where the jīva seeks to attain union with Īśvara through devotion and self-surrender. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, views the 'white monkeys' as a symbol of the liberated souls, who have attained the state of moksha and are no longer bound by the cycles of birth and death. This verse, therefore, serves as a reminder of the ultimate goal of human existence, which is to attain liberation and union with the Lord.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda interprets the 'white monkeys' as a symbol of the human mind, which has the power to leap over the obstacles of ignorance and attain spiritual liberation. The 'wind-like senses' represent the dynamic and ever-changing nature of the human experience, which must be harnessed and directed towards the ultimate goal of self-realization. According to Vivekānanda, this verse highlights the importance of cultivating the qualities of purity, courage, and self-discipline, which are essential for spiritual growth and development. In his lecture 'The Powers of the Mind', Vivekānanda explains that the human mind has the power to overcome any obstacle and achieve great things, but it must be directed towards the right goal (Complete Works, Vol. 4). Rādhākrishnan, on the other hand, views this verse as a reminder of the importance of integrating the individual self with the universal Self, which is the ultimate reality. This verse, therefore, serves as a call to action, urging individuals to strive for self-realization and to cultivate a deeper sense of connection with the world around them.