tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgamebhyaḥ sagaraḥ prāviśāt tada ।
“Then Sagar entered the white and large Aśva (lit. ' horse-like ' but here used to refer to sea-crossing horses/vehicles ) .”
Structure
tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgamebhyaḥ sagaraḥ prāviśāt tada
tada(then) sagaraḥ(Sagara) śvetebhyaḥ(white) plavaṅgamebhyaḥ(to monkeys) prāviśāt(entered)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tataḥ | tataḥ | indeclinable | — | then, thereafter |
| śvetebhyaḥ | śvetebhyaḥ | noun | dative/ablative · plural · masculine | to/from the white ones |
| plavaṅgamebhyaḥ | plavaṅgamebhyaḥ | noun | dative/ablative · plural · masculine | to/from the jumping ones |
| sagaraḥ | sagaraḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Sagara |
| prāviśāt | prāviśāt | verb | √viś · past · third | entered |
| tada | tada | indeclinable | — | then |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In this verse, Sagar's entry into the white and large horses symbolizes the jiva's (individual self) immersion into the universal consciousness, ultimately revealing the non-dual nature of Brahman. Shankara, in his Brahmasutra Bhashya, emphasizes the importance of understanding the ultimate reality beyond the apparent duality. This verse, by extension, points to the unity of Brahman and Atman, where the individual self (Sagar) merges with the universal (the white horses), illustrating the Advaitic concept of liberation through the realization of non-duality. The phrase 'śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgamebhyaḥ' (white and large horses) can be seen as a metaphor for the pure and expansive nature of the ultimate reality, which the individual self strives to realize. Through this interpretation, Shankara's commentary guides the seeker towards the understanding that the distinction between the individual and the universal is merely an illusion, and that the true nature of the self is indivisible and all-pervasive.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): This verse is seen as an allegory for the devotee's (Sagar) entrance into the realm of the divine, facilitated by the 'white and large horses', which represent the means of approaching the Lord, such as bhakti (devotion) and prapatti (self-surrender). Ramanuja, in his commentary on the Brahmasutras, emphasizes the role of divine grace and the importance of cultivating devotion to achieve union with the Supreme. The 'white horses' symbolize purity and spiritual progress, underscoring the Vaiṣṇava emphasis on the path of devotion as the primary means to attain liberation. The relationship between the jiva (Sagar) and Isvara (the divine) is central, highlighting the dependency of the individual on divine grace for spiritual advancement. Madhva, in his Dvaita Vedanta, might interpret this verse as illustrating the distinction between the independent Lord and the dependent individual self, emphasizing the need for devotion and self-surrender to bridge this gap.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekananda often spoke about the need to realize one's inner potential and the universal principles that govern human existence. This verse can be seen as a call to embark on a journey of self-discovery, where Sagar's entry into the white horses represents the individual's readiness to transcend mundane limitations and explore the depths of their own consciousness. The 'white and large horses' can symbolize the pure and expansive potential that lies within every individual, waiting to be unleashed. Vivekananda, in his lectures, emphasized the importance of practical application of spiritual principles in daily life, suggesting that this verse inspires us to tap into our inner strengths and strive for excellence, just as Sagar ventures into the unknown with courage and determination. Radhakrishnan, in his philosophical writings, would likely connect this verse to the human quest for meaning and the pursuit of excellence, highlighting the universal relevance of India's spiritual heritage in addressing contemporary challenges and aspirations.