tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgebhyaḥ sagaraḥ paryavartata

sagaraḥ (Sagara) tataḥ (then) śvetebhyaḥ (white) plavaṅgebhyaḥ (to the monkeys) paryavartata (went around)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, 'tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgebhyaḥ sagaraḥ paryavartata', can be seen through the lens of non-duality when considering the ultimate reality, Brahman. Śaṅkarācārya's commentary on the Brahmasūtra highlights the importance of understanding the absolute as beyond all duality. In this context, the turning of Sagar towards the white monkeys may symbolize the individual self (jīva) turning towards the ultimate reality, which is beyond all distinctions, including those of subject and object. This turning can be seen as a metaphor for the introspection and self-inquiry that leads to the realization of the brahman-ātman identity, where the individual self realizes its non-dual nature with the ultimate reality. This interpretation aligns with Śaṅkarācārya's emphasis on the importance of understanding the ultimate reality as beyond all dualistic distinctions, as seen in his commentary on the Taittirīya Upaniṣad, where he discusses the nature of Brahman as 'satyam, jñānam, anantam' (true, conscious, and infinite).

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse can be interpreted in the context of the relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Brahmasūtra, emphasizes the importance of bhakti (devotion) as a means to realize the ultimate reality. The action of Sagar turning towards the white monkeys can be seen as a symbol of the devotee's turning towards the Lord, seeking refuge and guidance. This interpretation highlights the dependent nature of the jīva on Īśvara, where the individual self seeks to realize its true nature in relation to the divine. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, might emphasize the difference between the jīva and Īśvara, seeing Sagar's action as an example of the Lord's grace extending towards the devotee, illustrating the concept of 'taratamya' or gradation of reality, where the Lord is supreme and the individual self has a dependent existence. This verse, in the Vaiṣṇava tradition, thus underscores the devotional aspect of the ultimate reality and the seeker's journey towards realizing it.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Bhagavad Gītā, emphasizes the practical application of spiritual principles in everyday life. In the context of this verse, the turning of Sagar towards the white monkeys can be seen as a call to action, symbolizing the individual's turning towards their inner self, towards a life of simplicity, purity, and service. This action represents a movement away from the complexities and dualities of the external world, towards a more unified and holistic understanding of existence. As Vivekānanda notes, 'The goal of life is to realize the unity of all existence', and this verse can be seen as encouraging the seeker to embark on this journey of self-discovery and service to others. Similarly, S. Rādhākrishnan, in his writings on the Upaniṣads, highlights the universal and eternal principles that underlie all existence, and this verse can be interpreted as pointing towards the universal truth of the interconnectedness of all beings, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and honoring this unity in our daily lives.

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