Tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgamebhyaḥ sagaraḥ paryavartatādṛṣirvaśiṣṭḥ
“Then Sagar, the sage, turned to the white and jumping (fish) and asked (for their help)”
Structure
Tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgamebhyaḥ sagaraḥ paryavartatād ṛṣiḥ vaśiṣṭḥ
Ṛṣiḥ (sage) vaśiṣṭḥ (Vasishtha) tataḥ (then) śvetebhyaḥ (white) plavaṅgamebhyaḥ ( monkeys) sagaraḥ (Sagara) paryavartatāt (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 jumping ones |
| sagaraḥ | sagaraḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Sagara |
| paryavartatād | paryavartatād | verb | √vart · past · third | he surrounded/circumvented |
| ṛṣiḥ | ṛṣiḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | sage |
| vaśiṣṭḥ | vaśiṣṭḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Vasiṣṭha |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, where Sagar turns to the white and jumping fish for help, can be interpreted through the lens of non-dualism by understanding the symbolism of the elements involved. The white fish may symbolize the pure and untainted aspect of consciousness, reminiscent of the ātman. The act of Sagar seeking their help could metaphorically represent the individual self (jīva) turning towards its true, unconditioned nature (brahman-ātman). Shankara's reasoning, as seen in his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, emphasizes the ultimate reality of brahman and the illusory nature of the world (māyā). In this context, the verse implies a turning away from the ephemeral world towards the eternal, unchanging self. This interpretation aligns with Shankara's non-dualistic philosophy, where the ultimate goal is realizing the identity of brahman and ātman.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse can be seen as an illustration of the relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Lord). Sagar, representing the seeker, turns to the fish, which can be understood as symbols of devotees or aspects of the divine. This act signifies the dependency of the jīva on Īśvara's grace for liberation. Ramanuja, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, emphasizes the importance of bhakti (devotion) and prapatti (surrender) as means to attain moksha. This verse, through Sagar's action, underscores the necessity of the individual's surrender to a higher power, echoing Ramanuja's teachings on the path to liberation, where the jīva, in its limited capacity, seeks and relies on Īśvara for union.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse offers a profound lesson in universal cooperation and the interconnectedness of all beings. Swami Vivekananda, in his lectures, often spoke about the importance of service to others and the unity of all existence. The image of Sagar seeking help from the fish can be seen as a metaphor for human beings learning from and working with nature. Radhakrishnan, in his philosophical writings, emphasized the practical application of Vedantic principles in everyday life, including the pursuit of self-knowledge and the service of humanity. This verse, in the context of modern life, encourages us to look beyond our individual limitations and seek harmony with the natural world, symbolizing a broader call to unity, cooperation, and the recognition of our place within the larger ecosystem.