tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgamebhyaḥ sindhavaḥ diśi paryupasthite
“Then to the white monkeys standing around in every direction”
Structure
tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgamebhyaḥ sindhavaḥ diśi paryupasthite
sindhavaḥ (the sea) diśi (in the direction) paryupasthite (having approached) tataḥ (then) śvetebhyaḥ (from the white ones) plavaṅgamebhyaḥ (from the monkeys)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tataḥ | tataḥ | indeclinable | — | then, from there |
| śvetebhyaḥ | śvetebhyaḥ | noun | dative/ablative · plural · masculine | from the white ones |
| plavaṅgamebhyaḥ | plavaṅgamebhyaḥ | noun | dative/ablative · plural · masculine | from the leaping ones |
| sindhavaḥ | sindhavaḥ | noun | nominative · plural · masculine | the Sindhu(s) |
| diśi | diśi | noun | locative · singular · feminine | in the direction |
| paryupasthite | paryupasthite | verb | √sthā · present · third | are surrounding |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): The verse 'tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgamebhyaḥ sindhavaḥ diśi paryupasthite' can be seen as an allegory for the non-dual nature of reality. Shankara's commentary on the Brahmasutras, particularly in the context of Brahman's omnipresence, sheds light on how this verse might symbolize the all-encompassing Brahman. The 'white monkeys' could represent the pure, untainted aspect of the Self (ātman), standing in every direction, symbolizing the ubiquitous and all-pervasive nature of Brahman. This interpretation aligns with Shankara's reasoning that the ultimate reality, Brahman, is beyond human comprehension and can only be grasped through the negation of duality. Thus, the verse points to the brahman-ātman identity, where the individual self is not separate from the universal Brahman.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse can be understood through the lens of bhakti, or devotion. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Brahmasutras, emphasizes the personal relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Lord). The 'white monkeys standing around in every direction' might symbolize the omnipresent grace of Īśvara, enveloping the devotee from all sides. This interpretation aligns with Rāmānujācārya's emphasis on the importance of prapatti, or self-surrender, to the Lord. The verse, in this context, underscores the idea that the jīva is always surrounded by the divine, awaiting the moment of self-surrender to realize this intimate relationship.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the universal principles of Vedānta, often emphasized the practical applications of spiritual wisdom in everyday life. This verse can be seen as a call to recognize the unity and interconnectedness of all beings. The 'white monkeys' might represent the pure, innocent aspects of human nature, standing in every direction, symbolizing the potential for goodness and compassion that exists universally. Vivekānanda's message of service to humanity as a means to realize the divine within can be connected to this verse, where the recognition of this universal potential leads to a sense of responsibility and duty towards all living beings. This interpretation brings out the universal and practical application of the verse, emphasizing the importance of empathy, compassion, and selfless service in contemporary life.