tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgamebhyaḥ sagaraḥ paryavartata nāma
“Then Sagar surrounded the white and jumping (horses) by name.”
Structure
tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgamebhyaḥ sagaraḥ paryavartata nāma
sagaraḥ (Sagara) tataḥ (then) śvetebhyaḥ (from white) plavaṅgamebhyaḥ (to monkeys) paryavartata (went around) nāma (by name)
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 ( monkeys ) |
| sagaraḥ | sagaraḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Sagara ( a king ) |
| paryavartata | paryavartata | verb | √vart · past · third | went around, surrounded |
| nāma | nāma | indeclinable | — | by name, named |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In the context of this verse, tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgamebhyaḥ sagaraḥ paryavartata nāma, Śaṅkarācārya's non-dualistic interpretation would likely emphasize the ultimate reality beyond the duality of names and forms. The 'white and jumping horses' symbolize the dynamic, ever-changing nature of the universe, which is a manifestation of Brahman. Śaṅkarācārya might argue that the act of Sagar surrounding these horses signifies the all-encompassing and unifying nature of Brahman, which underlies all existence. This verse, in the Advaita tradition, points to the brahman-ātman identity, where the individual self (ātman) is ultimately one with the universal reality (Brahman), transcending the distinctions and limitations imposed by names and forms.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): From a Vaiṣṇava perspective, particularly through the lens of Rāmānujācārya's Viśiṣṭādvaita Vedānta, this verse could be seen as an allegory for the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). The 'white and jumping horses' might represent the restless and uncontrolled nature of the jīvas without divine guidance. Sagar's surrounding of these horses could symbolize Īśvara's encompassing and protective care for the jīvas, guiding them towards liberation. Rāmānujācārya would likely interpret this verse as highlighting the dependence of the jīva on Īśvara for achieving mokṣa, emphasizing a devotional path where the jīva seeks refuge in the Lord, much like the horses are surrounded and thus protected by Sagar.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, a key figure in Neo-Vedānta, would likely interpret this verse in the context of universal principles applicable to contemporary life. The 'white and jumping horses' could represent the dynamic energies and potential within every individual. Sagar surrounding these horses might symbolize the integration and balance that an individual must achieve to harness their energies and potentials effectively. Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the importance of self-control and the realization of one's inner strength and potential. This verse, in a Neo-Vedānta perspective, could be seen as urging individuals to cultivate a holistic approach to life, acknowledging and respecting the dynamic forces within themselves, and striving for a balanced and fulfilling existence, much like the harmony achieved by Sagar's encompassing gesture.