Tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgamebhyāḥ sagaraḥ paryavartata ।
“Then Sagar turned towards the white and jumping (monkeys).”
Structure
Tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgamebhyāḥ Sagarāḥ paryavartata
Sagarāḥ (Sagara) Tataḥ (then) śvetebhyaḥ (white) plavaṅgamebhyāḥ (to monkeys) paryavartata (went around)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tataḥ | Tataḥ | indeclinable | — | then, thereafter |
| śvetebhyaḥ | śvetebhyaḥ | noun | dative/ablative · plural · masculine | to/for the white/radiant ones |
| plavaṅgamebhyāḥ | plavaṅgamebhyāḥ | noun | dative/ablative · plural · masculine | to/for the jumping/ hopping ones |
| Sagarāḥ | Sagarāḥ | noun | nominative · plural · masculine | the sons of Sagara |
| paryavartata | paryavartata | verb | √vart · past · third | turned/ went around/ surrounded |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In interpreting this verse, Śaṅkarācārya would likely focus on the nondual essence that underlies all phenomena, including the actions of Sagar and the description of the white and jumping monkeys. Though Shankara's direct commentary on this specific verse from the Mahābhārata may not be readily available, his approach to similar narratives involves unveiling the ultimate reality, Brahman, behind the veil of worldly activities. The turning of Sagar towards the monkeys can be seen as a metaphor for the individual self (jīva) turning towards the ultimate reality, symbolized by the 'white' which could represent purity or knowledge, and 'jumping' which might signify the dynamic and ever-changing nature of the world. This interpretation guides the reader towards understanding the brahman-ātman identity, where the individual self realizes its non-dual nature with the ultimate reality through such symbolic narratives.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): From a Vaiṣṇava perspective, particularly through the lens of Rāmānujācārya, this verse could be seen as depicting the relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Lord). Sagar's action of turning towards the white and jumping monkeys might symbolize the jīva's innate tendency to seek the divine, represented by the 'white' monkeys, which could stand for purity and goodness. The 'jumping' aspect may indicate the restless and dynamic nature of the conditioned soul seeking liberation. Rāmānujācārya's visiṣṭādvaita (qualified nondualism) would interpret this as an illustration of the dependent yet real relationship between the jīva and Īśvara, where the jīva's quest for the divine is a fundamental aspect of its existence. This verse, in a Vaiṣṇava context, underscores the importance of devotion and seeking refuge in the Lord, exemplified through Sagar's action.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, a key figure in Neo-Vedānta, would likely view this verse as an allegory for the human quest for knowledge and spiritual growth. The white and jumping monkeys could represent the pure and restless mind, constantly seeking and leaping towards higher states of consciousness. Sagar's turning towards them symbolizes the individual's turning towards their own inner self, seeking to understand and realize their true nature. This interpretation is in line with Vivekānanda's emphasis on the potential of the human soul and the importance of self-realization. In contemporary life, this verse can inspire individuals to look inward, to seek the purity and dynamism of their own minds, and to strive for spiritual growth and self-awareness. It reflects the universal and practical application of Vedāntic principles in everyday life, encouraging individuals to embrace their inner quest for the ultimate reality.