tatah śvetebhyo vṛṣabhyāḥ śataṁ ca dehi nandana
“Then give a hundred white bulls, Nandana.”
Structure
tatah śvetebhyo vṛṣabhyāḥ śataṁ ca dehi nandana
tataḥ (then) śvetebhyo (to the white ones) vṛṣabhyāḥ (to the bulls) nandana (son) śataṁ (hundred) ca (and) dehi (give)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tatah | tatah | indeclinable | — | then, thereafter |
| śvetebhyo | śvetebhyo | noun | dative · plural · masculine | to the white ones |
| vṛṣabhyāḥ | vṛṣabhyāḥ | noun | dative · plural · masculine | to the bulls |
| śatam | śatam | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | hundred |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| dehi | dehi | verb | √dā · optative · second | give |
| nandana | nandana | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | son (addressing someone) |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, 'tatah śvetebhyo vṛṣabhyāḥ śataṁ ca dehi nandana,' can be seen as an allegory for the ultimate reality, where the 'white bulls' symbolize the pure and unadulterated aspects of the Self (ātman). Shankara, in his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, emphasizes the importance of recognizing the non-dual nature of reality. Though he does not directly comment on this verse, his methodology of interpreting scriptures to unveil the brahman-ātman identity can be applied here. The request to 'give a hundred white bulls' may be interpreted as a call to sacrifice or let go of the multitude of egoistic tendencies, symbolized by the bulls, to realize the unity of the Self with the ultimate reality, Brahman. This interpretation aligns with Shankara's non-dualistic philosophy, where the ultimate goal is to understand and experience the identity of the individual self (ātman) with the universal Self (Brahman).
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the context of Vaiṣṇava theology, this verse can be seen as a symbol of devotion and surrender. The 'white bulls' may represent the pure and dedicated actions or offerings of the devotee towards the Lord. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, emphasizes the path of devotion (bhakti) as a means to achieve liberation. The verse, by mentioning 'Nandana,' suggests a personal and intimate relationship between the devotee and the Lord, akin to the relationship between a parent and child, as Nandana means 'son of Nanda,' referring to Krishna. This interpretation reflects the Vaiṣṇava tradition's emphasis on the personal relationship between the individual soul (jīva) and the Supreme Lord (Īśvara), where the act of giving or offering is a symbol of surrender and devotion, leading to spiritual liberation.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekananda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the practical application of Vedantic principles in everyday life. This verse can be seen as a call to selfless action and the cultivation of a generous and compassionate spirit. The 'hundred white bulls' can symbolize the abundant resources, both material and spiritual, that one possesses. The act of 'giving' these bulls represents the act of self-giving, where one dedicates their resources, time, and energy for the greater good. This aligns with Vivekananda's message of service to humanity as a means to realize one's own divine nature. In contemporary life, this verse can inspire individuals to engage in selfless service, donate to worthy causes, and cultivate a sense of generosity and compassion, ultimately leading to personal growth and the betterment of society. It reflects the universal and practical application of Vedantic principles, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all beings and the importance of contributing to the well-being of the world.