tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgamebhyaḥ śṛṅgiṇām api tāni ca ।
“Then (he saw) those (animals) with white (or shining) bodies, the jumpers, and also those with horns.”
Structure
tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgamebhyaḥ śṛṅgiṇām api tāni ca
tataḥ (then) śvetebhyaḥ (from white) plavaṅgamebhyaḥ (to jumping) śṛṅgiṇām (of horned) api (also) tāni (those) ca (and)
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 |
| śṛṅgiṇām | śṛṅgiṇām | noun | genitive/ablative · plural · masculine | of the horned ones |
| api | api | indeclinable | — | also, even |
| tāni | tāni | pronoun | accusative · plural · neuter | those |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Mahābhārata, 'tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgamebhyaḥ śṛṅgiṇām api tāni ca', when interpreted through the lens of Advaita Vedānta, points to the ultimate reality of Brahman. Shankara's commentary on the Upaniṣads and the Bhagavad Gītā emphasizes the non-dual nature of existence, where all distinctions, including those of creatures, are sublated in the realization of Brahman-ātman identity. The mention of various animals here can be seen as symbolic of the diverse manifestations of the universe, all of which are ultimately reducible to the singular, unchanging essence of Brahman. The 'white' or 'shining' bodies, the 'jumpers', and those 'with horns' represent different aspects of creation, yet in their diversity, they point to the unity and interconnectedness of all existence. This interpretation resonates with Shankara's reasoning in his Brahmasūtra Bhāṣya, where he discusses the ultimate goal of realizing the ātman as not different from Brahman, transcending the multiplicities of the empirical world.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse can be understood as illustrating the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his Śrībhāṣya, emphasizes the importance of recognizing the dependency of all beings on the divine. The variety of creatures mentioned ('those with white bodies, the jumpers, and those with horns') signifies the diverse ways in which the Lord's energies are manifested in the world. This diversity is a testament to the infinite creativity and benevolence of Īśvara, who sustains and guides all beings according to their nature. The verse, thus, underscores the Vaiṣṇava concept of 'Viśiṣṭādvaita', where the ultimate reality is seen as a unified whole, with the Lord as the supreme, and all else, including the jīvas and the material world, as dependent on and inseparable from Him. This view is in line with Rāmānujācārya's interpretation of the Upaniṣads and the Purāṇas, highlighting the path of devotion (bhakti) as the means to realize this fundamental relationship.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the universal and practical applications of ancient Indian wisdom. This verse, with its imagery of diverse creatures, can be seen as a call to recognize and appreciate the diversity of life on earth. Vivekānanda, in his speech on 'The Common Bases of Hinduism' at the Parliament of the World's Religions in 1893, highlighted the importance of seeing the divine in every being. The 'white bodies, jumpers, and those with horns' can symbolize different human pursuits, capacities, and inclinations, all of which are valuable and contribute to the richness of human experience. This interpretation aligns with Vivekānanda's stress on the potential for human development and the need for harmony and cooperation among all people. Similarly, S. Rādhākrishnan, in his philosophical writings, emphasized the importance of integrating spiritual insights with practical life, suggesting that verses like this one encourage us to embrace the complexity and beauty of the world, fostering a sense of unity and responsibility towards all living beings.