Tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgebhyaḥ sumahāttanayaḥ.
“Then from the white (monkeys) with great strength.”
Structure
Tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgebhyaḥ sumahān tanayaḥ
Tataḥ (then) śvetebhyaḥ (from white) plavaṅgebhyaḥ ( monkeys) sumahān (the great) tanayaḥ (son)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tataḥ | Tataḥ | indeclinable | — | then, thereafter |
| śvetebhyaḥ | śvetebhyaḥ | noun | dative/ablative · plural · masculine | from the white ones |
| plavaṅgebhyaḥ | plavaṅgebhyaḥ | noun | dative/ablative · plural · masculine | from the long-legged ones ( monkeys ) |
| sumahān | sumahān | adjective | — | very great |
| tanayaḥ | tanayaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | son |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, as part of the Mahābhārata, reflects the concept of the ultimate reality, Brahman, through the metaphor of the monkeys. Shankara, in his commentary on the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, discusses the idea that the Self (Ātman) is beyond human and animal forms, existing as pure consciousness. In the context of this verse, the 'white monkeys' can be seen as a symbol for the sattvic (pure) nature, untainted by the impurities of the world. The phrase 'sumahāttanayaḥ' (with great strength) indicates the potential of the Self to overcome the limitations of the material world, pointing towards the non-dual reality where distinctions like subject and object are transcended. This interpretation aligns with Shankara's emphasis on the direct experience of the ultimate reality, beyond the dichotomies of the empirical world.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): From a Vaiṣṇava perspective, this verse can be understood in the context of the relationship between the individual self (jīva) and the supreme Lord (Īśvara). The 'white monkeys with great strength' can symbolize the devotees who, endowed with the strength of their devotion, strive to reach the Lord. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, discusses the concept of the Lord's grace being essential for the liberation of the jīva. In this light, the verse could indicate the Lord's empowerment of the devotees, symbolized by the monkeys, enabling them to transcend their limitations and reach the divine realm. This interpretation reflects the Vaiṣṇava emphasis on bhakti (devotion) as the means to achieve union with the divine, highlighting the importance of the jīva-Īśvara relationship.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekananda, in his lectures on the Upanishads, emphasized the practical application of Vedantic principles in everyday life. In the context of this verse, the 'white monkeys with great strength' can symbolize the human potential for inner strength and purity. Vivekananda often spoke about the importance of cultivating inner strength to overcome the challenges of life and to achieve one's goals. This verse, therefore, can be seen as a call to self-reflection and self-improvement, urging individuals to tap into their inner resources to overcome their limitations. Radhakrishnan, in his writings, also emphasized the universal applicability of Vedantic principles, suggesting that such verses offer insights into human nature and the path to self-realization, making them relevant to contemporary life and its challenges.