tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgamebhyaḥ sagaraḥ paryavartata yatpravṛttaṃ ca teṣāṃ ca ।
“Then Sagar turned to the white and jumping ( monkeys ) and asked what had happened to them.”
Structure
tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgamebhyaḥ sagaraḥ paryavartata yat pravṛttaṃ ca teṣāṃ ca
sagaraḥ (Sagara) tataḥ (then) śvetebhyaḥ (from the white) plavaṅgamebhyaḥ (elephants) paryavartata (rode around) yat (because) teṣāṃ (of them) ca (and) pravṛttaṃ (it was done) ca (and)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tataḥ | tataḥ | indeclinable | — | then, thereafter |
| śvetebhyaḥ | śvetebhyaḥ | noun | dative/ablative · plural · masculine | to/for the white ones |
| plavaṅgamebhyaḥ | plavaṅgamebhyaḥ | noun | dative/ablative · plural · masculine | to/for the jumping ones |
| sagaraḥ | sagaraḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Sagara |
| paryavartata | paryavartata | verb | √vart · past · third | he turned/ surrounded |
| yat | yat | pronoun | nominative/accusative · neuter singular | what/which |
| pravṛttaṃ | pravṛttaṃ | verb | √vṛt · past participle · third | had happened/taken place |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| teṣāṃ | teṣāṃ | pronoun | genitive · plural | of them |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Mahābhārata offers a profound insight into the non-dual nature of reality. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Brahmasūtra, discusses the notion of 'paryavartata' or turning towards, which hints at the ultimate reality turning towards itself. Here, Sagar's inquiry into the white and jumping monkeys can be seen as a metaphor for the ātman's introspection, seeking to understand its own nature. The white monkeys, symbolizing purity and innocence, represent the untainted aspect of the self, while their jumping signifies the restless and ever-changing nature of the phenomenal world. As Śaṅkara notes, the ultimate goal is to realize the identity of brahman and ātman, transcending the duality of the observer and the observed. In this context, Sagar's question can be seen as a catalyst for self-inquiry, prompting the seeker to delve into the nature of reality and discover the non-dual truth.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition views this verse through the lens of bhakti, emphasizing the loving relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, highlights the importance of self-surrender and devotion. In this verse, Sagar's interaction with the white and jumping monkeys can be seen as an allegory for the Lord's concern for His devotees. The monkeys, symbolizing the devotees, are 'white' in the sense that they are pure and innocent, while their 'jumping' represents their restless longing for the divine. Sagar's inquiry into their well-being signifies the Lord's compassion and care for His devotees. This verse underscores the Vaiṣṇava emphasis on the personal relationship between the individual self and the Supreme Lord, highlighting the importance of devotion and self-surrender on the path to liberation.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lecture 'The Absolute and Manifestation,' discusses the concept of 'paryavartata' or turning towards, highlighting the dynamic and relational nature of ultimate reality. This verse from the Mahābhārata can be seen as an illustration of this concept, where Sagar's inquiry into the white and jumping monkeys represents the human quest for meaning and connection. The monkeys, symbolizing the human condition, are torn between their natural instincts (jumping) and their aspiration for transcendence (whiteness). Sagar's question, in this context, signifies the human desire for self-awareness and understanding. As Rādhākrishnan notes, this verse points to the universal human aspiration for transcendence and the importance of introspection in achieving it. In contemporary life, this verse can be seen as a call to self-reflection, encouraging individuals to examine their own values and aspirations, and to seek a deeper understanding of themselves and their place in the world.