tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgam ebhyaḥ saṅgamaḥ
“Then, there was an assembly of white monkeys.”
Structure
tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgamebhyaḥ saṅgamaḥ
tataḥ (then) śvetebhyaḥ (with the white ones) plavaṅgamebhyaḥ (with the leaping ones) saṅgamaḥ (the meeting or gathering)
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 |
| plavaṅamebhyaḥ | plavaṅamebhyaḥ | noun | dative/ablative · plural · masculine | from the leaping ones |
| saṅgamaḥ | saṅgamaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | union, meeting |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgamebhyaḥ saṅgamaḥ, presents an opportunity to contemplate the non-dual nature of reality. The white monkeys, symbolic of purity and innocence, gather in assembly, pointing towards the ultimate unity of all beings. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Brahmasūtra, emphasizes the importance of understanding the distinction between the ultimate reality, Brahman, and the fleeting world of appearances. In this context, the assembly of white monkeys can be seen as a metaphor for the realization of the Ātman, the individual self, as non-different from Brahman, the absolute reality. This verse, in the Mahābhārata, encourages the seeker to look beyond the external world and discover the unity and wholeness that underlies all existence.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The gathering of white monkeys, as described in this verse, can be seen as an allegory for the community of devotees coming together in their love and devotion to the Supreme Lord. The white color of the monkeys symbolizes the purity of heart and intentions, essential for any spiritual seeker. Rāmānujācārya, in his Śrī Bhāṣya, highlights the significance of bhakti, or devotion, as a means to attain liberation. In this context, the assembly of white monkeys represents the collective devotion of the jīvas, individual souls, towards Īśvara, the personal God. This verse serves as a reminder of the importance of community and shared devotion in the spiritual journey, where the love and dedication of the devotees foster a deeper connection with the divine.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse, with its imagery of white monkeys gathering in assembly, offers a powerful symbol for modern times. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the importance of unity and cooperation in achieving common goals. The assembly of white monkeys can be seen as a representation of the ideal of universal brotherhood, where individuals from diverse backgrounds come together, united by a shared sense of purpose and compassion. Similarly, S. Rādhākrishnan, in his philosophical works, highlights the relevance of Vedāntic principles in contemporary life, encouraging individuals to cultivate a sense of inner unity and harmony. This verse, in the Mahābhārata, inspires us to look beyond our differences and work towards creating a more harmonious and equitable world, where the well-being of all beings is valued and respected.