tataḥ śvetebhyo rukmavarṇebhyo eva ca
“Then from the white and shining ones only.”
Structure
tataḥ śvetebhyo rukmavarṇebhyo eva ca
tataḥ (then) śvetebhyo (from white ones) rukmavarṇebhyo (with golden hue) eva (indeed) ca (and)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tataḥ | tataḥ | indeclinable | — | then, thereafter |
| śvetebhyo | śvetebhyo | noun | dative/ablative · plural · masculine | from white ones |
| rukmavarṇebhyo | rukmavarṇebhyo | noun | dative/ablative · plural · masculine | from those having a golden complexion |
| eva | eva | indeclinable | — | indeed, surely |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): The verse 'tataḥ śvetebhyo rukmavarṇebhyo eva ca' signifies the absolute reality of Brahman, beyond the distinctions of white and shining. Shankara, in his commentary on the Brahmasutras, emphasizes the non-dual nature of ultimate reality, where such distinctions are mere mental constructs. This verse points to the identity of Brahman and Ātman, underscoring that the true self is beyond the fleeting, worldly attributes. Shankara's reasoning, as seen in his Upadesasahasri, aims to liberate the Self from the bondage of duality, pointing towards the realization that 'I am Brahman' (Aham Brahmāsmi). The focus on 'śvetebhyo' and 'rukma' varṇebhyo' serves to illustrate the illusory nature of distinctions, guiding the seeker towards the realization of the one, unchanging essence.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): This verse, within the context of Mahābhārata, is interpreted by Vaiṣṇava thinkers as an illustration of the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his Bhagavad Gītā Bhāṣya, emphasizes the concept of 'śeṣa-śeṣin' (the servant and the master), highlighting the dependence of the jīva on Īśvara. The 'śvetebhyo' and 'rukma' varṇebhyo' can be seen as metaphorical references to the pure and resplendent nature of the divine, towards which the jīva aspires. Madhvācārya, in his Anuvyākhyāna, stresses the dualistic aspect, where the distinction between the jīva and Īśvara is fundamental, and the verse illustrates the pursuit of the jīva towards union with the divine, under the guidance of Īśvara.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse, when viewed through the lens of modern Vedānta, speaks to the universal aspiration for transcendence and union with the ultimate reality. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Bhagavad Gītā, highlights the practical application of such verses, emphasizing the importance of realizing one's true nature beyond external attributes. He underscores the message of self-realization and service to humanity, seeing in 'tataḥ śvetebhyo rukmavarṇebhyo eva ca' an exhortation to seek the divine within and without. S. Rādhākrishnan, in his 'Indian Philosophy', interprets such verses as indicative of the synthesis between the rational and the mystical, pointing towards a holistic understanding of human existence and its ultimate goal. This verse, in the modern context, inspires the seeker to strive for a life of balance, harmony, and spiritual growth, reflecting the universal quest for meaning and fulfillment.