tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgamebhyaḥ saṅgamaḥ
“Then with the white monkeys there was an union.”
Structure
tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgamebhyaḥ saṅgamaḥ
tataḥ (then) śvetebhyaḥ (with the white ones) plavaṅgamebhyaḥ (with the leapers) saṅgamaḥ (the meeting)
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 (monkeys) |
| saṅgamaḥ | saṅgamaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | confluence, meeting |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): The union described in this verse, 'tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgamebhyaḥ saṅgamaḥ,' symbolizes the ultimate non-dual reality where distinctions between the individual self (ātman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman) dissolve. According to Shankara, such descriptions in the Mahābhārata aim to guide the seeker towards realizing the identity of Brahman and ātman. The 'white monkeys' can be seen as a metaphor for the pure and untainted aspects of the self, merging with the universal. This interpretation aligns with Shankara's commentary on the Brahma Sutras, where he discusses the concept of 'līlā' or divine play, suggesting that all events, including unions and separations, are mere manifestations of Brahman's playfulness. Thus, this verse points towards the transcendence of duality and the realization of the non-dual Self.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the context of Vaiṣṇava theology, the union with the white monkeys can be seen as a symbol of the devotee's (jīva) longing for union with the Divine (Īśvara). Rāmānujācārya might interpret this verse as an allegory for the soul's journey towards liberation, where the 'white monkeys' represent the community of devotees or the embodiment of pure devotion. The union signifies the intimacy and communion between the devotee and God, highlighting the personal relationship between jīva and Īśvara. This reading is supported by Rāmānujācārya's emphasis on 'prapatti' or self-surrender as a means to achieve liberation, where the devotee seeks refuge in the divine, much like the monkeys seeking union. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, might focus on the distinction between the devotee and God, emphasizing the role of devotion in bridging this gap, with the union representing the ultimate goal of devotion.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda would likely view this verse as a call to universal harmony and unity. He might interpret the 'white monkeys' as symbols of pure and untainted human nature, yearning for connection and unity. The union, in this context, represents the aspiration for a world where all barriers are overcome, and humanity comes together in peace and understanding. This aligns with Vivekānanda's message of universal brotherhood, as expressed in his speeches and writings, such as his address at the World's Parliament of Religions. Similarly, S. Rādhākrishnan might see this verse as an illustration of the human quest for meaning and connection, transcending superficial differences. He could argue that the union with the white monkeys signifies the deeper, spiritual union that humanity seeks, a union that reflects the ultimate reality of our shared human experience and the interconnectedness of all existence.