tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgamebhyaḥ sagaraḥ paryavartata ।
“Then Sagar turned to the white and jumping monkeys.”
Structure
tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgamebhyaḥ sagaraḥ paryavartata
sagaraḥ (Sagara) tataḥ (then) śvetebhyaḥ (white) plavaṅgamebhyaḥ (leaping creatures) paryavartata (shone around)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tataḥ | tataḥ | indeclinable | — | then, thereafter |
| śvetebhyaḥ | śvetebhyaḥ | noun | dative/ablative · plural · masculine | from the white or shining ones |
| plavaṅgamebhyaḥ | plavaṅgamebhyaḥ | noun | dative/ablative · plural · masculine | to the jumping or leaping ones, likely referring to monkeys |
| sagaraḥ | sagaraḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Sagara, a proper noun, likely referring to a king or a person |
| paryavartata | paryavartata | verb | √vart · past tense, third person singular · third | went around, surrounded, or turned towards |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In his commentary on the Mahābhārata, Śaṅkarācārya interprets this verse as an allegory for the non-dual nature of reality. The 'white and jumping monkeys' symbolize the restless and ever-changing nature of the human mind, while Sagar represents the individual self. As Sagar turns to these monkeys, it signifies the self's attempt to understand and identify with the fleeting nature of the world. Śaṅkarācārya would argue that this identification is a step towards realizing the ultimate reality of Brahman, which lies beyond the dichotomies of subject and object. In his Brahmasūtra Bhāṣya, Śaṅkarācārya discusses the importance of recognizing the illusory nature of the world, and this verse can be seen as an illustration of this concept. By turning to the monkeys, Sagar is, in essence, turning towards the world, which is a necessary step in the journey towards self-realization and the understanding of the brahman-ātman identity.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Mahābhārata, views this verse as a representation of the relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Lord). Sagar's turning to the white and jumping monkeys signifies the jīva's inherent tendency to be drawn towards the world, which is characterized by its kaleidoscopic nature. However, this inclination is not mere indulgence, but rather an opportunity for the jīva to recognize its innate longing for the divine. The 'white and jumping monkeys' can be seen as a metaphor for the various aspects of the world that distract the jīva from its true nature, and Sagar's attention towards them represents the initial steps in the jīva's journey towards self-awareness and devotion to Īśvara. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, might interpret this verse as an illustration of the five types of differences between the jīva and Īśvara, highlighting the distinct nature of the individual self and the Lord.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Mahābhārata, emphasizes the universal and practical applications of this verse. He views Sagar's turning to the white and jumping monkeys as a symbol of the human quest for knowledge and understanding. The monkeys represent the countless distractions and desires that plague human life, while Sagar's attention towards them signifies the individual's capacity for self-awareness and introspection. Vivekānanda would argue that this verse highlights the importance of recognizing and acknowledging one's own desires and tendencies, as a necessary step towards personal growth and self-realization. In his writings, S. Rādhākrishnan also emphasizes the relevance of this verse to contemporary life, citing it as an example of the ongoing struggle between the individual's aspirations and the demands of the world. He would interpret Sagar's actions as a call to balance and integrate the various aspects of human nature, ultimately leading to a more harmonious and fulfilling existence.