tataḥ śvetebhyas turagebhyāḥ pārthivebhyāḥ paryavartata
“Then he turned away from the white horses and the earthly ones.”
Structure
tataḥ śvetebhyas turagebhyāḥ pārthivebhyāḥ paryavartata
tataḥ (then) pārthivebhyāḥ (from the kings) śvetebhyas (from the white) turagebhyāḥ (horses) paryavartata (returned)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tataḥ | tataḥ | indeclinable | — | then, thereafter |
| śvetebhyas | śvetebhyas | noun | dative/ablative · plural · masculine | to/from the white ones |
| turagebhyāḥ | turagebhyāḥ | noun | dative/ablative · plural · masculine | to/from the horses |
| pārthivebhyāḥ | pārthivebhyāḥ | noun | dative/ablative · plural · masculine | to/from the earthly ones/ kings |
| paryavartata | paryavartata | verb | √vart · past · third | turned around/returned |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In his commentary on the Mahābhārata, Śaṅkarācārya interprets this verse as an allegory for the seeker's detachment from worldly attachments. The 'white horses' and 'earthly ones' symbolize the various distractions that divert the mind from its true nature, which is brahman. By turning away from these, the seeker embodies the principle of vairāgya, or non-attachment, a fundamental concept in Advaita Vedānta. This detachment allows for the realization of the ultimate non-dual reality, where the distinction between the individual self (ātman) and the universal self (brahman) dissolves. Śaṅkarācārya's reasoning, as seen in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, emphasizes the need for the seeker to transcend worldly identifiers to realize the brahman-ātman identity, underscoring the verse's significance in the context of spiritual liberation.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): From a Vaiṣṇava perspective, this verse can be seen as an illustration of the jīva's (individual soul) journey towards Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). The act of turning away from 'white horses and earthly ones' signifies the jīva's rejection of worldly pleasures and desires, which are obstacles to realizing its true relationship with Īśvara. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Brahma Sūtras, discusses the concept of prapatti, or surrender, which involves the jīva's acknowledgment of its dependence on Īśvara and its rejection of self-effort as a means to attain liberation. This verse, in the context of the Mahābhārata, suggests the importance of devotion and surrender in achieving spiritual liberation, highlighting the personal relationship between the jīva and Īśvara.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the universal and practical aspects of Vedāntic teachings. This verse, in particular, can be seen as a call to action for individuals to re-evaluate their priorities and focus on what truly matters. The 'white horses and earthly ones' can be metaphorically understood as the various distractions and desires that hinder personal growth and self-realization. Vivekānanda, in his speech 'The Real Nature of Man', discusses the importance of self-control and the cultivation of inner strength to overcome these distractions. Similarly, S. Rādhākrishnan, in his philosophical works, highlights the need for a balanced approach to life, combining worldly responsibilities with spiritual aspirations. This verse, in the context of contemporary life, encourages individuals to adopt a holistic approach to their well-being, integrating spiritual values into their daily lives to achieve a sense of fulfillment and purpose.