Tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgamebhyaḥ saguṇān vīta-guṇān ca yān.
“Then from the white monkeys, both those with and without qualities,”
Structure
Tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgamebhyaḥ saguṇān vīta-guṇān ca yān
Tataḥ (then) śvetebhyaḥ (from the white ones) plavaṅgamebhyaḥ (to the jumping ones) saguṇān (with qualities) vīta-guṇān (without qualities) ca (and) yān (whom)
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 |
| plavaṅgamebhyaḥ | plavaṅgamebhyaḥ | noun | dative/ablative · plural · masculine | from the jumping ones (monkeys) |
| saguṇān | saguṇān | compound | bahuvrīhi · "saguṇa + ān" | those having qualities/attributes |
| vīta-guṇān | vīta-guṇān | compound | bahuvrīhi · "vīta + guṇa + ān" | those without qualities/attributes |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| yān | yān | pronoun | accusative · plural · masculine | whom, which ones |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In interpreting this verse, we must consider the non-dual nature of reality. Śaṅkarācārya's commentary on the Brahmasūtra (1.1.5) clarifies that the ultimate reality, Brahman, is beyond all attributes and distinctions. The mention of 'saguṇān vīta-guṇān ca yān' (those with and without qualities) in the context of the white monkeys could symbolize the manifestation of Brahman through various forms, yet ultimately, these distinctions are illusory. This verse points to the identity of Brahman and Ātman, suggesting that all phenomena, regardless of their seeming qualities or lack thereof, are manifestations of the one, unified consciousness. The white monkeys may represent the pure, unadulterated essence of the Self, untouched by the dualities of the world, thus guiding the seeker towards recognizing the Brahman-Ātman identity beyond superficial differences.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): This verse offers a glimpse into the devotional aspect of spiritual pursuit. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā (13.13), emphasizes the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). The monkeys, symbolic of jīvas with varying degrees of qualities (saguṇān) and without qualities (vīta-guṇān), are drawn to the Supreme, much like the Gopīs were drawn to Kṛṣṇa. The white monkeys may represent those jīvas who have purified their hearts, becoming fit for the love of the Supreme. The distinction between those with and without qualities highlights the inclusive nature of divine love, embracing all souls regardless of their condition, and guiding them towards the realization of their inherent dependence on and love for Īśvara.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda often emphasized the practical application of Vedāntic principles in daily life. In his lectures, he stressed the importance of recognizing the divine in every being, regardless of external appearances or qualities. This verse can be seen as a call to look beyond the superficial, to the essence that unites us all. The white monkeys, with and without qualities, symbolize the universal potential within every individual to manifest their true, pure nature. This is reminiscent of Vivekānanda's message in 'The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda', where he encourages seekers to find the 'Divine in every human being' and to strive for self-realization by transcending the boundaries of external attributes. This universal and inclusive perspective is highly relevant in contemporary life, where diversity and equality are paramount, reminding us to value and respect the intrinsic worth of every individual.