tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgebhyaḥ sagaraḥ prādurabhavattaḥ ।
“Then from the white monkeys arose Sagar.”
Structure
tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgebhyaḥ sagaraḥ prādurabhavat taḥ
sagaraḥ (Sagara) tataḥ (then) śvetebhyaḥ (from white) plavaṅgebhyaḥ ( elephants) prādurabhavat (was born) taḥ (that)
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 |
| plavaṅgebhyaḥ | plavaṅgebhyaḥ | noun | dative/ablative · plural · masculine | from the leaping ones (monkeys) |
| sagaraḥ | sagaraḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Sagara (a king's name) |
| prādurabhavat | prādurabhavat | verb | √bhu · laṭ-preterite · third | appeared, arose |
| taḥ | taḥ | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | he |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgebhyaḥ sagaraḥ prādurabhavattaḥ, can be seen as an allegory for the emergence of the ultimate reality, Brahman, from the mundane. The white monkeys, symbolizing purity and innocence, give rise to Sagar, representing the ocean, which is often associated with the infinite and the absolute in Hindu scriptures. Shankara, in his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, emphasizes the non-dual nature of reality, suggesting that all phenomena, including the emergence of Sagar from the monkeys, are ultimately expressions of Brahman. This verse, therefore, points to the brahman-ātman identity, where the individual self (ātman) is recognized as one with the universal self (Brahman). Through this understanding, one transcends the limitations of the mundane world and realizes the ultimate truth. Shankara's reasoning on the nature of Brahman as the unchanging, all-pervading essence is particularly relevant here, as it underscores the idea that all phenomena, including the narrative of Sagar, are manifestations of this ultimate reality.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse can be interpreted as a symbol of the divine grace that flows from the Lord, Īśvara, to the individual souls, jīvas. The white monkeys, plavaṅgebhyaḥ, may represent the purified jīvas, and their association with Sagar, the ocean, signifies the boundless and profound nature of the Lord's mercy. Rāmānujācārya, in his Śrī Bhāṣya, discusses the concept of prapatti, or self-surrender, as a means to attain communion with the divine. This verse can be seen as an illustration of prapatti, where the jīva, symbolized by the monkeys, surrenders to the will of Īśvara, resulting in the emergence of Sagar, symbolizing the divine grace that fills the heart of the devotee. This relationship between the jīva and Īśvara is central to Vaiṣṇava theology, emphasizing the importance of devotion and self-surrender as paths to spiritual liberation.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse offers a profound message for contemporary life, highlighting the potential for transformation and growth that lies within each individual. The emergence of Sagar from the white monkeys can be seen as a metaphor for the unfolding of human potential, where the individual, like the monkeys, must let go of limitations and embrace the infinite possibilities that lie within. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Bhagavad Gītā, emphasizes the importance of self-realization and the awakening of the divine within. He encourages individuals to tap into their inner strength and strive for excellence, just as Sagar emerges from the monkeys, symbolizing the realization of one's true potential. This verse, therefore, serves as a reminder of the universal and practical application of spiritual principles, urging individuals to strive for self-awareness, self-improvement, and ultimately, self-realization, which are the core teachings of Neo-Vedānta.