tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgamebhyaḥ sumahān samudro vinad vāruṇaḥ.
“Then, the great ocean, Varuni, roared, as if addressing the white monkeys.”
Structure
tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgamebhyaḥ su-mahān samudroḥ vina-d-vāruṇaḥ
su-mahān (great) samudroḥ (ocean) vina-d (roared) vāruṇaḥ ( Varuni, the consort of Varuna) tataḥ (then) śvetebhyaḥ (white) plavaṅgamebhyaḥ (to the monkeys)
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 |
| plavaṅgamebhyaḥ | plavaṅgamebhyaḥ | noun | dative/ablative · plural · masculine | from the jumping ones |
| su-mahān | su-mahān | compound | karmadhāraya · "su mahān" | very great |
| samudroḥ | samudroḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | ocean |
| vina-d-vāruṇaḥ | vina-d-vāruṇaḥ | compound | tatpuruṣa · "vina-d-vāruṇaḥ" | Varuṇa-less or without Varuṇa |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Mahābhārata, 'tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgamebhyaḥ su-mahān samudroḥ vina-d-vāruṇaḥ', illustrates the non-dual nature of reality. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, emphasizes the ultimate identity of Brahman and Ātman. The 'great ocean' symbolizes the infinite and unified consciousness, which, like the ocean, encompasses all. The 'white monkeys' can be seen as representing the jīvas, individual selves, which are ultimately not separate from this unified consciousness. The roar of the ocean, Varuni, signifies the intrinsic, unchanging nature of Brahman, untouched by the fleeting phenomena of the world. This verse, through its metaphorical language, points towards the realization of the self's true nature, which is one with the ultimate reality, Brahman. In his commentary on the Taittiriya Upanishad, Śaṅkarācārya discusses the concept of the five sheaths, suggesting that the realization of the true self involves transcending these coverings to reveal the pure, unadulterated consciousness, akin to the vast, undivided ocean.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava interpretation of this verse focuses on the devotional aspect, emphasizing the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his Śrī Bhāṣya, discusses the concept of prapatti, or self-surrender, where the jīva, recognizing its insignificance, seeks refuge in the Lord. The 'white monkeys' can be seen as symbols of the jīvas, who, despite their individual endeavors, are ultimately dependent on the grace of Īśvara. The 'great ocean', roaring as Varuni, represents the irresistible will of the Lord, which, while seemingly overwhelming, is fundamentally benevolent. This benevolence is manifest in the Lord's role as the protector and guide of the devotees. Madhvācārya, in his Anuvyākhyāna, underscores the doctrine of bheda-abheda, or difference and non-difference, where the jīva, while distinct from Īśvara, is also intimately connected with Him. This verse, through its imagery, underscores the Vaiṣṇava emphasis on devotion and surrender as the path to realizing this intimate connection.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): From a modern perspective, this verse can be interpreted as a call to recognize and connect with the universal consciousness that underlies all existence. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on 'The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda', emphasizes the idea that the ultimate reality is one and indivisible. The 'great ocean' can be seen as a symbol of this unified field, which, like the ocean's waves, manifests in diverse forms but remains essentially unchanged. The 'white monkeys', symbolizing the individual selves, are invited to recognize their inherent unity with this cosmic consciousness. This recognition, Vivekānanda suggests, is the key to achieving true freedom and harmony. S. Radhakrishnan, in his book 'The Hindu View of Life', discusses the concept of the universal self, which, he argues, is the foundation of ethical and spiritual living. This verse, in its depiction of the ocean's roar, suggests the universal call to awaken to this deeper reality, one that transcends individual boundaries and speaks to the shared human experience, inviting us to live in harmony with the natural world and with each other.