Tataḥ śutsnaḥ praviśan sadāḥ Pāṇḍavāṃs tvāṃ vṛṇīmaha iti
“Then Śutsna entered and said: 'We Pāṇḍavas choose you'”
Structure
Tataḥ Śutsnaḥ praviśan sadā Pāṇḍavāṃs tvāṃ vṛṇīmaha iti
Tataḥ (then) Śutsnaḥ (Shutsna) praviśan (having entered) sadā (always) Pāṇḍavāṃs (the Pandavas) tvāṃ (you) vṛṇīmaha (we choose) iti (thus)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tataḥ | Tataḥ | indeclinable | — | then, thereafter |
| Śutsnaḥ | Śutsnaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Śutsna (proper noun, name of a person) |
| praviśan | praviśan | verb | √viś · laṅ-past participle · third | having entered |
| sadā | sadā | indeclinable | — | always |
| Pāṇḍavāṃs | Pāṇḍavāṃs | noun | accusative · plural · masculine | the Pāṇḍavas |
| tvāṃ | tvāṃ | pronoun | accusative · singular | you (Singular) |
| vṛṇīmaha | vṛṇīmaha | verb | √vṛ · laṭ-present · first | we choose |
| iti | iti | indeclinable | — | thus, quote-unquote |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse signifies the ultimate reality of non-duality, where the distinction between the individual self (jīva) and the Supreme Self (brahman) is transcended. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Brahma Sūtras, emphasizes the importance of understanding the absolute identity of brahman and ātman. The statement 'we Pāṇḍavas choose you' can be seen as an allegory for the jīva's inherent longing to unite with the ultimate reality, thus affirming the brahman-ātman identity. Śaṅkara's reasoning, as seen in his commentary on the Taittirīya Upaniṣad, highlights that the knowledge of this identity is the means to achieve liberation (mokṣa). In this context, the verse points to the realization that the individual's true nature is not separate from the ultimate reality, underscoring the non-dual (advaita) perspective.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition interprets this verse in the context of the loving relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Rāmānujācārya would likely view 'we Pāṇḍavas choose you' as an expression of the jīva's innate desire to surrender to and be in a loving relationship with the Supreme, reminiscent of the concept of prapatti (surrender). This interpretation underscores the devotional aspect of Vaiṣṇavism, where the jīva's liberation is dependent on the grace of Īśvara, received through devotion and self-surrender. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, might emphasize the reality of difference (dvaita) between the jīva and Īśvara, seeing the verse as an example of the jīva's dependence on Īśvara's will, yet both would agree on the central role of devotion in achieving spiritual liberation.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse can be seen as a call to recognize and affirm the inherent divinity in every individual. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the universal principles of Vedānta, including the idea that the ultimate reality resides within each person. The statement 'we Pāṇḍavas choose you' can be interpreted as a symbolic representation of the collective recognition and affirmation of this inner divinity. S. Radhakrishnan, in his philosophical works, highlights the importance of realizing this universal identity as a means to transcend individual and societal conflicts, promoting a sense of global citizenship and harmony. Both thinkers would encourage applying this verse's message in contemporary life by fostering self-awareness, mutual respect, and a sense of shared humanity, thus reflecting the practical and universal application of Vedāntic principles.