Tataḥ śvetavrajā vṛddhā śyāmā vāvṛturiva tmana ।
“Then the old woman with the white dress surrounded him like a dark cloud.”
Structure
Tataḥ śvetavrajā vṛddhā śyāmā vāvṛtur iva tmanaḥ
Tataḥ śyāmā vṛddhā iva tmanaḥ vāvṛtuḥ śvetavrajā
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tataḥ | Tataḥ | indeclinable | — | then, thereafter |
| śvetavrajā | śvetavrajā | noun | nominative · singular · feminine | having a white or shining abode |
| vṛddhā | vṛddhā | noun | nominative · singular · feminine | old, aged |
| śyāmā | śyāmā | noun | nominative · singular · feminine | dark, bluish-black |
| vāvṛtur | vāvṛtur | verb | √vṛ · past · third | they covered, they surrounded |
| iva | iva | indeclinable | — | like, as if |
| tmanā | tmanā | noun | instrumental · singular · masculine | by oneself |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse is often seen as an allegory for the veil of ignorance (avidyā) that surrounds the true Self (ātman). The old woman with the white dress, interpreted as a symbol of this ignorance, obscures the vision of the seeker, much like a dark cloud veils the sun. Shankara's commentary on the Brahma Sutras emphasizes the removal of this ignorance to reveal the true nature of the Self, which is identical to Brahman. In the context of this verse, the surrounding by the old woman represents the way in which our perceptions are clouded by ignorance, pointing to the necessity of Self-realization to comprehend the ultimate reality. This non-dual reading underscores the central tenet of Advaita Vedanta: the unity of ātman and Brahman, attainable through the dispelling of avidyā.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava interpretation of this verse focuses on the concept of the jīva (individual soul) being enveloped by the divine energy (śakti), here symbolized by the old woman. This reading emphasizes the devotional aspect, where the jīva's relationship with Īśvara (the Lord) is one of dependence and surrender. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, discusses the concept of the individual self being a part of the divine whole, and how this realization fosters a deep sense of devotion and dependence on God. The surrounding by the old woman can be seen as an act of divine providence, guiding the individual towards their ultimate goal of union with the Lord. This perspective highlights the loving and protective nature of the divine, underscoring the personal relationship between the jīva and Īśvara.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekananda, in his lectures, often emphasized the practical application of Vedantic principles in everyday life. This verse can be seen as a metaphor for the challenges and obstacles that an individual faces on their path to self-discovery and spiritual growth. The old woman, symbolizing the forces of adversity or ignorance, tests one's resolve and understanding. Vivekananda, in his speech 'The Real Nature of the Soul', talks about the eternal and unchanging nature of the Self, which remains untouched by external circumstances. This verse, therefore, encourages the seeker to look beyond the veil of external appearances and to discover their true, inner Self. This universal message of resilience and the pursuit of knowledge resonates deeply in contemporary life, where individuals are constantly faced with choices and challenges that require a deep understanding of themselves and their place in the world.