tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgamebhyaḥ sañjātaḥ śāstre paribhāṣitaḥ । sa rājā so'asi sarvabhūtānāṃ tato jayaḥ svayameva te ॥ 340
“Then, from the white (or shining) ones and the leaping ones, the king, who is defined in the śāstra, is born; that king alone is you, and thus victory is yours.”
Structure
tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgamebhyaḥ sañjātaḥ śāstre paribhāṣitaḥ sa rājā so asi sarvabhūtānāṃ tato jayaḥ svayameva te
tataḥ (then) śvetebhyaḥ (from white) plavaṅgamebhyaḥ (to jumping creatures) sañjātaḥ (born) śāstre (in the science) paribhāṣitaḥ (defined) saḥ (that one) rājā (king) so (that) asi (is) sarvabhūtānāṃ (of all beings) tato (therefore) jayaḥ (victory) svayameva (by yourself alone) te (your)
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 leaping ones |
| sañjātaḥ | sañjātaḥ | verb | √jān · past · third | was produced, was born |
| śāstre | śāstre | noun | locative · singular · neuter | in the scripture |
| paribhāṣitaḥ | paribhāṣitaḥ | verb | √bhāṣ · past · third | was declared, was proclaimed |
| sa | sa | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | he, that one |
| rājā | rājā | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | king |
| so | so | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | he, that one |
| asi | asi | verb | √as · present · second | you are |
| sarvabhūtānāṃ | sarvabhūtānāṃ | noun | genitive · plural · neuter | of all beings |
| tato | tato | indeclinable | — | then, thereafter |
| jayaḥ | jayaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | victory |
| svayameva | svayameva | indeclinable | — | yourself |
| te | te | pronoun | dative · singular · masculine | to you |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, when interpreted through the lens of non-dualism, points to the ultimate reality of Brahman. Shankara's commentary on the Mahābhārata and the Upaniṣads emphasizes the unity of existence, where the distinction between the individual self (ātman) and the universal self (Brahman) is transcended. The king, born from the white and leaping ones, symbolizes the emergence of the divine within the individual, leading to the realization of one's true nature as Brahman. This understanding is echoed in Shankara's discussions on the concept of 'Tat Tvam Asi' (That Thou Art), underscoring the identity of the individual with the ultimate reality. Thus, victory (jayaḥ) is not external but an internal realization of one's true, unbounded nature. This non-dual reading of the verse offers a profound insight into the nature of reality and self, guiding the seeker towards liberation (mokṣa).
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse can be seen as an allegory for the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the divine). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Brahma Sūtras, discusses the concept of the divine descending into the world, much like the king emerging from the white and leaping ones. This descent symbolizes the grace of God, guiding the jīva towards liberation. The king, in this context, represents the divine within, which, when realized, leads to a life of devotion and service. Madhvācārya, with his emphasis on the difference between the individual soul and God, might interpret this verse as highlighting the dependence of the jīva on Īśvara for both existence and liberation. Thus, victory is achieving a devotional relationship with the divine, recognizing one's position within the larger cosmic order. This reading underscores the central Vaiṣṇava theme of bhakti (devotion) as the path to realizing one's true purpose and achieving spiritual victory.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the practical application of Vedāntic principles in everyday life. This verse can be seen as a call to self-realization, where the individual recognizes their inner potential and strives to achieve it. The king, born from the white and leaping ones, symbolizes the emergence of the higher self within each person. Vivekānanda would likely interpret this as a metaphor for the awakening of the individual to their true capabilities and the universal principles that govern human existence. Similarly, S. Rādhākrishnan, in his philosophical works, talked about the importance of realizing one's true nature and the interconnectedness of all beings. This verse, in the context of contemporary life, reminds us of the importance of self-awareness, personal growth, and the pursuit of excellence. Victory, in this modern interpretation, is not just a personal achievement but a contribution to the greater good, reflecting a life lived with purpose, integrity, and service to others. This universal and practical application of the verse makes it relevant to individuals from all walks of life, encouraging them to strive for their highest potential.