tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgamebhyaḥ sagaraḥ paryabravīt | nadīnāṃ naṭavaḥ śāstā cakāra pāśena veṣṭanam
“Then Sagar addressed the monkeys who were jumping about; the ruler of the rivers ordered them to tie up with a rope.”
Structure
tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgamebhyaḥ sagaraḥ paryabravīt | nadīnāṃ naṭavaḥ śāstā cakāra pāśena veṣṭanam
Sagaraḥ (Sagara) pārābravīt (addressed) tataḥ (then) śvetebhyaḥ (to the white) plavaṅgamebhyaḥ ( monkeys) ,nadīnāṃ (of rivers) naṭavaḥ (to the bank dwellers) śāstā (the ruler) pāśena (with a noose) veṣṭanam (binding) cakāra (did)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tataḥ | tataḥ | indeclinable | — | then, thereafter |
| śvetebhyaḥ | śvetebhyaḥ | noun | dative/ablative · plural · masculine | to the white monkeys |
| plavaṅgamebhyaḥ | plavaṅgamebhyaḥ | noun | dative/ablative · plural · masculine | to the jumping ones (monkeys) |
| sagaraḥ | sagaraḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Sagara |
| paryabravīt | paryabravīt | verb | √brav · past · third | spoke to |
| nadīnāṃ | nadīnāṃ | noun | genitive · plural · feminine | of the rivers |
| naṭavaḥ | naṭavaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | the lord |
| śāstā | śāstā | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | the ruler |
| cakāra | cakāra | verb | √kṛ · past · third | made |
| pāśena | pāśena | noun | instrumental · singular · masculine | with a noose |
| veṣṭanam | veṣṭanam | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | binding |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, where Sagar addresses the monkeys and orders them to tie up with a rope, metaphorically represents the boundless, all-encompassing nature of Brahman. Shankara's non-dual reading suggests that the ultimate reality cannot be bound or limited by any finite means, symbolized by the rope. The action of Sagar, a ruler, symbolizes the role of the intellect (buddhi) in recognizing and realizing this non-dual essence. Through this verse, Shankara might argue that just as the rivers are ruled and managed by Sagar, the ultimate reality (Brahman) governs all existence, pointing towards the brahman-ātman identity. In his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, Shankara discusses the concept of 'adhyasa' or superimposition, where the unreal (the world) is superimposed on the real (Brahman), much like the monkeys' limited understanding is transcended by Sagar's order, hinting at the ultimate non-dual nature of reality.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse can be seen as depicting the relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (God). Sagar, as a ruler, symbolizes Īśvara, who guides and governs the jīvas, represented by the monkeys. The action of tying up with a rope signifies the binding of the jīvas by their karma but also the potential for liberation through devotion (prapatti) to Īśvara. Ramanuja, in his Sri Bhashya, comments on similar themes, emphasizing the importance of surrender to Īśvara. Madhva, in his commentary, might see this verse as an illustration of the dependence of the jīvas on Īśvara, stressing the dualistic relationship between the two, where Īśvara is the independent ruler and the jīvas are dependent on Him for liberation.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse can be interpreted in a universal and practical sense, focusing on the theme of self-control and harmony with nature. Swami Vivekananda, in his lectures, often emphasized the importance of self-mastery and the need to 'tie up' or control the restless mind, symbolized by the monkeys. He might view Sagar's order as a call to the individual to take charge of their thoughts and emotions, achieving a state of inner peace and tranquility, much like the serene and controlled flow of rivers. Radhakrishnan, in his writings, often highlighted the importance of living in harmony with nature, suggesting that Sagar's action represents the ideal balance between human endeavor and natural order, where human actions are guided by a sense of responsibility and care for the environment, reflecting a universal and practical application of the verse in contemporary life.