Tataḥ śvetottareṇa mahatā vāyavyena cāpareṇa .
“Then with the great white (horse) on the right and the wind-born ( horse) on the left.”
Structure
Tataḥ śvetottareṇa mahatā vāyavyena cāpareṇa
Tataḥ (then) śveta-uttareṇa (with a white upper garment) mahatā (the great one) vāyavyena (with a wind-born or divine) cāpareṇa (and another)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tataḥ | Tataḥ | indeclinable | — | then, thereafter |
| śvetottareṇa | śvetottareṇa | compound | bahuvrīhi · "śvetottaraḥ ena" | with the white (horses) on the eastern side |
| mahatā | mahatā | noun | instrumental · singular · masculine | with the great one |
| vāyavyena | vāyavyena | compound | bahuvrīhi · "vāyavyaḥ ena" | with the wind god or with the horses on the western side |
| cāpareṇa | cāpareṇa | compound | bahuvrīhi · "cāparaḥ ena" | and with the ones on the southern side |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, 'Tataḥ śvetottareṇa mahatā vāyavyena cāpareṇa', when interpreted through the lens of non-duality, suggests the ultimate reality of Brahman. The great white horse on the right and the wind-born horse on the left may symbolize the dual aspects of the universe, yet they are controlled by the same charioteer, symbolizing the unity of all existence. Shankara's commentary on similar passages, such as the Upanishads, emphasizes the illusory nature of duality and the singular reality of Brahman. In the context of this verse, the charioteer, representing the Self, navigates through life, untouched by the dualities of the world, pointing to the identity of Brahman and ātman. This interpretation underscores the non-dual perspective, where all distinctions are ultimately sublated in the unity of the Absolute.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Lord) is central to the Vaiṣṇava interpretation of this verse. The great white horse and the wind-born horse can be seen as symbols of the jīva's innate qualities and its relationship with the divine. Rāmānujācārya might interpret the charioteer as the Lord guiding the jīva through the journey of life, with the horses representing the jīva's free will and its natural tendency towards the divine. This interpretation highlights the personal aspect of the divine and the dependence of the jīva on Īśvara for liberation. In contrast, Madhvācārya might focus on the distinction between the jīva and Īśvara, emphasizing the role of devotion and the Lord's grace in bridging this gap. Both perspectives within the Vaiṣṇava tradition underscore the devotional path to realizing one's true nature and relationship with the divine.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda would likely interpret this verse as a call to balance and harmony in one's life. The two horses, representing different aspects of human nature, must be guided by a strong and focused charioteer, symbolizing the power of the human will. This balance is crucial for navigating life's challenges and achieving one's goals. In his lectures, Vivekānanda often emphasized the importance of self-control and the cultivation of inner strength to overcome life's dualities. Similarly, S. Rādhākrishnan might see this verse as a metaphor for the human condition, where the individual must navigate between opposites, using wisdom and discernment to find the middle path. This perspective connects the verse to contemporary life, emphasizing the need for self-awareness, balance, and the integration of opposites to achieve personal growth and harmony in a chaotic world.