tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgamebhyaḥ śṛṇvato'si puruṣasya vācam
“Then from the white monkeys who were listening, the voice of the man was heard.”
Structure
tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgamebhyaḥ śṛṇvato asi puruṣasya vācam
tataḥ (then) śvetebhyaḥ (from the white ones) plavaṅgamebhyaḥ (from the leaping ones) puruṣasya (of the person) vācam (the voice) asi (you are) śṛṇvataḥ (listening)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tataḥ | tataḥ | indeclinable | — | then, thereafter |
| śvetebhyaḥ | śvetebhyaḥ | noun | dative/ablative · plural · masculine | from the white monkeys |
| plavaṅgamebhyaḥ | plavaṅgamebhyaḥ | noun | dative/ablative · plural · masculine | from the jumping ones (monkeys) |
| śṛṇvato | śṛṇvato | verb | √śṛṇu · present participle · third | of one who is hearing |
| asi | asi | verb | √as · present · second | you are |
| puruṣasya | puruṣasya | noun | genitive · singular · masculine | of the man/person |
| vācam | vācam | noun | accusative · singular · feminine | speech/voice |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the non-dual nature of reality, where the distinctions between the listener (the white monkeys) and the speaker (the man) dissolve. Shankara, in his commentary on the Brahmasūtras, highlights the importance of understanding the ultimate reality, Brahman, as the essence of all existence. In the context of this verse, the voice of the man heard by the monkeys symbolizes the universal consciousness that pervades all beings. The emphasis on 'śṛṇvato'si' (was heard) implies a unified field of awareness where the subject-object dichotomy is transcended. This interpretation aligns with Shankara's reasoning on the identity of Brahman and Ātman, suggesting that the realization of this unity is the key to true understanding. Thus, this verse points to the brahman-ātman identity, encouraging the seeker to look beyond the superficial differences and grasp the underlying non-dual reality.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition, as exemplified by Rāmānujācārya, views this verse through the lens of devotion and the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Lord). The white monkeys listening to the man's voice can be seen as a metaphor for the devotees who listen to the divine words of the Lord. Ramanuja, in his commentary on the Gītā, emphasizes the importance of prapatti (surrender) to the Lord, which involves listening to and following His commandments. This verse, therefore, underscores the significance of śravaṇa (listening) as a means of establishing a connection with the divine. The voice of the man represents the divine guidance, and the act of listening by the monkeys signifies the receptivity of the devotee to the Lord's will, highlighting the loving relationship between the jīva and Īśvara.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, interpreting this verse in the light of modern Vedānta, would likely focus on its universal and practical application. He might see the voice of the man as symbolic of the universal call to awakening, which echoes within every individual. The white monkeys, representing purity and innocence, listening to this voice, signify the inherent capacity of every being to respond to this call. Vivekānanda, in his lectures on practical Vedānta, emphasized the importance of recognizing and realizing one's true nature, which is in essence divine. This verse, therefore, can be seen as an encouragement to listen to the inner voice, to seek wisdom and understanding that transcends external distinctions, and to strive for self-realization. It connects to contemporary life by underscoring the need for individual awakening and the pursuit of knowledge that unites rather than divides humanity.