tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgamebhyaḥ sagaraḥ pratīpavān

sagaraḥ (Sagara) tataḥ (then) śvetebhyaḥ (white) plavaṅgamebhyaḥ (to the monkeys) pratīpavān (went)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, in the context of the Mahābhārata, presents Sagar, the lord of the ocean, born to the white and jumping horses. From a non-dual perspective, Shankara would interpret the 'white and jumping horses' as symbols of the unbridled mind and the pure, untainted essence of the Ātman. The birth of Sagar, or the ocean, signifies the emergence of the vast, all-encompassing consciousness that is Brahman. In his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, Shankara explains that the ultimate reality, Brahman, is beyond all dualities and manifestations, yet it is the source of all existence. This verse points to the brahman-ātman identity by suggesting that even the most expansive and powerful entities, like the ocean, are manifestations of the ultimate reality. Thus, the identification of the individual self (ātman) with the universal self (Brahman) is underscored, highlighting the non-dual nature of reality. As Shankara writes in his Upadesasahasri, the knowledge of this identity is the means to liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In this verse, the Vaiṣṇava tradition sees a profound expression of the relationship between the jīva (the individual soul) and Īśvara (the Lord). Sagar, born to the white and jumping horses, symbolizes the soul's origin and journey towards realizing its true nature, which is inextricably linked with the divine. Rāmānujācārya, in his Śrī Bhāṣya, emphasizes the importance of bhakti (devotion) in understanding and experiencing this relationship. The white horses may represent the pure and untainted aspects of the soul, while the jumping horses signify the soul's innate tendency towards movement and progression towards the Lord. The birth of Sagar, the ocean, signifies the culmination of this journey, where the soul realizes its oneness with and dependence on Īśvara, illustrating the visistadvaita (qualified non-dualism) philosophy. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, might view this verse through the lens of dvaita (dualism), highlighting the distinction between the soul and the Lord, yet emphasizing the soul's ultimate goal of reaching and serving the Lord, as described in his Anuvyākhyāna.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse offers a powerful metaphor for the human condition and our quest for self-realization and unity with the universe. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Mahābhārata, might interpret the white and jumping horses as representing the contrasting forces within us: the pure, calm aspects and the dynamic, active aspects. The birth of Sagar, the ocean, signifies the integration of these forces, resulting in a vast, expansive consciousness. This integrates the principles of yoga, as outlined in the Yogasutras of Patanjali, where the goal is tostill the fluctuations of the mind and attain a state of unity and peace. S. Radhakrishnan, in his writings on Indian philosophy, might view this verse as an illustration of the universal principles that govern human existence, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and respecting the interconnectedness of all beings. This recognition leads to a life of harmony, balance, and service to others, as encapsulated in the concept of 'lokasamgraha' (the well-being of all people). The verse, thus, holds a profound message for contemporary life, encouraging individuals to strive for a balanced and holistic approach to living, encompassing both personal growth and social responsibility.

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