tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgamebhyaḥ sutān dṛṣṭvā jātavedasam ।
“Then, seeing his sons born with the white monkeys and having the power of knowledge.”
Structure
tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgamebhyaḥ sutān dṛṣṭvā jātavedasam
tataḥ (then) śvetebhyaḥ (from white ones) plavaṅgamebhyaḥ (to jumping creatures) sutān (sons) dṛṣṭvā (having seen) jātavedasam (the Knower of Birth)
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 ( monkeys ) |
| plavaṅgamebhyaḥ | plavaṅgamebhyaḥ | noun | dative/ablative · plural · masculine | to the jumpers ( monkeys ) |
| sutān | sutān | noun | accusative · plural · masculine | sons |
| dṛṣṭvā | dṛṣṭvā | indeclinable | — | having seen |
| jātavedasam | jātavedasam | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | one who knows his birth ( Agni ) |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Mahābhārata, when seen through the lens of Advaita Vedānta, underscores the theme of the non-dual nature of reality. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Brahmasūtra, highlights the concept of jīva and Īśvara being ultimately one with Brahman. The phrase 'jātavedasam' can be interpreted as referring to the innate knowledge or consciousness that pervades all beings, echoing the idea that the ātman (individual self) is not different from Brahman (the ultimate reality). The birth of sons with the white monkeys symbolizes the potential for all beings to realize their true nature, which is one with the universe. This interpretation aligns with Śaṅkara's reasoning in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, where he emphasizes the path of knowledge (jñāna yoga) leading to the realization of the non-dual (advaita) truth. Thus, this verse points to the ultimate identity of Brahman and ātman, encouraging the seeker to look beyond the superficial differences and realize the unity that underlies all existence.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse can be seen as highlighting the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his Śrī Bhāṣya, discusses the concept of 'aprakaṭa' and 'prakāśa', where the Lord remains unknown (aprakaṭa) until He chooses to reveal Himself (prakāśa) to the devotee. The 'white monkeys' might symbolize the pure and selfless devotion required to attain this revelation. The phrase 'jātavedasam' signifies the Lord's quality of being the source of all knowledge and the sustainer of the universe. According to Madhvācārya's Dvaita Vedānta, this verse could be interpreted as the Lord's grace being essential for the jīva to gain knowledge and ultimately liberation. Thus, this verse from the Mahābhārata emphasizes the devotional path (bhakti yoga) and the significance of recognizing one's dependence on the Lord for spiritual growth and realization.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse, viewed through the lens of Neo-Vedānta, offers a profound message on the universal potential for spiritual growth and self-realization. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the importance of recognizing the divine in every being. The 'white monkeys' can be seen as a symbol of the pure and untainted aspects of human nature, which, when nurtured, can lead to the realization of one's true potential. The phrase 'jātavedasam' resonates with Vivekānanda's concept of the 'universal consciousness' that underlies all existence. In contemporary life, this verse encourages individuals to look beyond the boundaries of caste, creed, and species, and to recognize the inherent worth and dignity of all beings. As S. Radhakrishnan noted, the practical application of such a verse lies in fostering a sense of global citizenship and harmony among all living beings, which is essential for creating a more compassionate and enlightened world.