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Mahābhārata · 1.330
ततः श्वेतव्रजां हृष्टामृषभां दश लक्ष्मणाम् ।

tataḥ śvetavrajāṃ hṛṣṭām ṛṣabhāṃ daśa lakṣmaṇām

Then he saw ten shining ones with a bull as their vehicle.

TTS

Structure

Padaccheda — word separation

tataḥ śveta-vrajāṃ hṛṣṭām ṛṣabhāṃ daśa lakṣmaṇām

Anvaya — prose reordering

tataḥ (then) śveta-vrajāṃ (white-complexioned) hṛṣṭām (glad) ṛṣabhāṃ (chief) daśa (ten) lakṣmaṇām (of Lakṣmaṇa)

Word-by-Word Grammar

WordIASTTypeGrammarMeaning
tataḥtataḥindeclinablethen, thereafter
śveta-vrajāṃśveta-vrajāṃcompoundkarmadhāraya · "śveta-vrajā"one whose army or path is white
hṛṣṭāmhṛṣṭāmnounaccusative · singular · femininedelighted, rejoiced one - here refers to Draupadi
ṛṣabhāṃṛṣabhāṃnounaccusative · singular · feminineshe whose husband is like a bull (ṛṣabha)
daśadaśanounnominative · plural · masculineten
lakṣmaṇāmlakṣmaṇāmnoungenitive · plural · masculineof Lakṣmaṇa (sons of Lakṣmaṇa or brothers of Lakṣmaṇa)

Scholarly Commentary

Advaita Vedānta(Ādi Śaṅkarācārya)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, tataḥ śvetavrajāṃ hṛṣṭām ṛṣabhāṃ daśa lakṣmaṇām, when considered through the lens of non-dualism, points to the ultimate reality that underlies all existence. Śaṅkarācārya's commentary on similar passages in the Upaniṣads emphasizes the identity of brahman and ātman, suggesting that all distinctions are ultimately illusory. The 'ten shining ones with a bull as their vehicle' can be seen as symbolic representations of the various aspects of the self, all of which are ultimately subsumed under the unity of brahman. This interpretation aligns with Śaṅkarācārya's reasoning in his commentary on the Brahma Sūtras, where he argues for the non-dual nature of reality. Thus, this verse invites the reader to contemplate the fundamental unity that underlies all phenomena, guiding them towards the realization of the brahman-ātman identity.

Vaiṣṇava Tradition(Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya)

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the devotional context of Vaiṣṇavism, this verse is rich with implications for the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Lord). Rāmānujācārya's visiṣṭādvaita vedānta would interpret the 'ten shining ones' as emblematic of the various attributes and powers of the divine, all of which are inseparable from yet distinct within the ultimate reality of Īśvara. The bull, as a vehicle, symbolizes strength and fertility, underscoring the nourishing and protective aspect of the divine. This reading emphasizes the loving dependence of the jīva on Īśvara, highlighting the path of bhakti (devotion) as the means to realizing this intimate relationship. Madhvācārya's dvaita vedānta, while differing in its emphasis on the distinction between the soul and God, would similarly focus on the verse as an invitation to worship and devotion, seeing the 'shining ones' as attendants or aspects of the divine presence.

Neo-Vedānta(Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan)

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, a key figure in Neo-Vedānta, would likely interpret this verse in the context of practical spirituality and universal application. He might see the 'ten shining ones' as symbolic of the diverse facets of human consciousness or the various paths to spiritual realization, all of which are illuminated by the common thread of the divine. The bull, as a symbol of strength and forward movement, represents the progressive and evolutionary nature of the human spirit. This interpretation is in line with Vivekānanda's emphasis on the potential for human growth and the universality of spiritual experience, as expressed in his lectures and writings, such as 'The Complete Works of Swami Vivekānanda'. Similarly, S. Rādhākrishnan, with his philosophy of 'spiritual humanism', would focus on the ethical and moral implications of this verse, highlighting the importance of recognizing and respecting the divine in all beings, and the pursuit of a life that embodies the values of compassion, wisdom, and self-realization.

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