tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgamebhyāḥ śṛṇvato 'sakṛd vacanam
“Then He, having heard repeatedly the words of the white monkeys.”
Structure
tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgamebhyāḥ śṛṇvataḥ asakṛt vacanam
tataḥ (then) śvetebhyaḥ (from the white ones) plavaṅgamebhyāḥ (from the jumping ones) asakṛt (repeatedly) śṛṇvataḥ (listening) vacanam (the words)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tataḥ | tataḥ | indeclinable | — | then, thereafter |
| śvetebhyaḥ | śvetebhyaḥ | noun | dative/ablative · plural · masculine | to the white monkeys |
| plavaṅgamebhyāḥ | plavaṅgamebhyāḥ | noun | dative/ablative · plural · masculine | to the jumping ones (monkeys) |
| śṛṇvataḥ | śṛṇvataḥ | verb | √śṛṇu · laṭ-present · second | listen (you)! (imperative) |
| asakṛt | asakṛt | indeclinable | — | not once, repeatedly |
| vacanam | vacanam | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | word, speech |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In the context of this verse, tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgamebhyāḥ śṛṇvato 'sakṛd vacanam, the emphasis is on the hearing of the words of the white monkeys, symbolizing the acquisition of knowledge. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Brahma Sūtra, emphasizes the importance of hearing (śravaṇa) as a means to attain knowledge of Brahman. He suggests that the words of the wise, like those of the white monkeys, guide the seeker towards the ultimate reality. In this non-dual reading, the verse points to the identity of Brahman and Ātman, where the individual self (jīva) is ultimately one with the universal self (Brahman). The repetition of hearing (asakṛt) implies the need for persistent effort in seeking knowledge, until the truth is fully grasped. This verse, within the broader narrative of the Mahābhārata, underscores the significance of pursuing knowledge and understanding, leading the seeker towards liberation (mokṣa). Shankara's interpretation highlights the importance of this pursuit in realizing the ultimate non-dual reality.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): This verse, tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgamebhyāḥ śṛṇvato 'sakṛd vacanam, is significant in the Vaiṣṇava tradition as it illustrates the relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Lord). The white monkeys, symbolizing purity and devotion, represent the devotees who have dedicated themselves to the service of the Lord. The act of hearing (śṛṇvataḥ) their words repeatedly (asakṛt) signifies the importance of devotional practices, such as listening to the stories and teachings of the Lord, in developing a strong bond between the jīva and Īśvara. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, highlights the role of bhakti (devotion) in achieving this bond. He emphasizes that through devotion, the individual self can attain a direct relationship with the Lord, leading to liberation. This verse, in the context of the Mahābhārata, supports the Vaiṣṇava view that devotion and service to the Lord are essential for spiritual growth and ultimate liberation.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse, tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgamebhyāḥ śṛṇvato 'sakṛd vacanam, offers a profound message relevant to contemporary life. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures, often emphasized the importance of perseverance and dedication in achieving one's goals, whether spiritual or material. The repetition of hearing (asakṛt) the words of the wise, represented by the white monkeys, underscores the need for persistence in the pursuit of knowledge and self-improvement. S. Radhakrishnan, in his writings, highlights the universal applicability of such pursuit, stating that the individual's quest for truth and knowledge is a fundamental aspect of human nature. This verse, in its emphasis on the importance of hearing and learning, encourages individuals to engage in lifelong learning and self-reflection, leading to personal growth and spiritual development. In today's fast-paced world, the message of this verse reminds us of the value of slowing down, listening, and learning from the wisdom of others, as a means to navigate life's challenges and achieve a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.