tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgamēbhyāḥ saṅgamaḥ
“Then, there was an assembly of white monkeys.”
Structure
tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgamēbhyāḥ saṅgamaḥ
tataḥ (then) śvetebhyaḥ (with the white ones) plavaṅgamēbhyāḥ (with the jumping ones) saṅgamaḥ (the meeting)
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 |
| plavaṅgamēbhyāḥ | plavaṅgamēbhyāḥ | noun | dative/ablative · plural · masculine | from the jumping ones |
| saṅgamaḥ | saṅgamaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | union, confluence |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, 'tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgamēbhyāḥ saṅgamaḥ', suggests the gathering of white monkeys, which can be interpreted as the assembly of pure, unblemished aspects of the self. According to Shankara's commentary on the Brahma Sutras, the ultimate reality, Brahman, is beyond all dualities and distinctions. The mention of 'white' monkeys may symbolize the pure, untainted nature of the absolute, pointing towards the identity of Brahman and ātman. This verse, in the context of the Mahābhārata, underscores the theme of self-discovery and the realization of one's true, unconditioned nature. Shankara's reasoning emphasizes the importance of understanding the non-dual nature of reality, where all distinctions, including those implied by the verse, are transcended in the realization of Brahman-ātman identity.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The verse 'tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgamēbhyāḥ saṅgamaḥ' can be seen as a metaphor for the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). The gathering of white monkeys may symbolize the coming together of devotees or the aspects of the individual self that are pure and devoted to the divine. Rāmānujācārya would likely interpret this in the context of viśiṣṭādvaita, emphasizing the real distinction between the individual soul and the Supreme, yet their inseparable relationship. Madhvācārya, from a dvaita perspective, might view the white monkeys as symbolizing the pure devotees who assemble in their devotion to the Lord, highlighting the dichotomy between the devotee and the divine, yet their interaction through bhakti. Both perspectives underscore the devotional aspect, emphasizing the relationship between the individual and the divine.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse, 'tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgamēbhyāḥ saṅgamaḥ', can be interpreted as a call to unity and harmony among diverse elements. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the harmony of religions, would likely see the assembly of white monkeys as a symbol for the universal brotherhood of humanity, where despite differences, individuals come together in their pursuit of truth and realization. S. Rādhākrishnan, emphasizing the practical application of Vedāntic principles in modern life, might view this verse as an encouragement to foster global understanding and peace. The 'white monkeys' could represent the pure, untainted aspects of human nature that, when assembled, can lead to a more harmonious and peaceful world. This interpretation connects the ancient wisdom of the Mahābhārata to contemporary challenges, urging individuals to work towards a unified, peaceful existence.