Tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ śveto vāyuḥ niṣkramat tadā
“Then from the white (horses), a white wind emerged.”
Structure
Tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ śveto vāyuḥ niṣkramat tadā
Tadaḥ (then) śvetebhyaḥ (from white ones) śveto (white) vāyuḥ (wind) niṣkramat (came out) tadā (at that time)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tataḥ | Tataḥ | indeclinable | — | then, thereafter |
| śvetebhyaḥ | śvetebhyaḥ | noun | ablative · plural · masculine | from the white ones |
| śveto | śveto | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | white one, wind |
| vāyuḥ | vāyuḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | wind |
| niṣkramat | niṣkramat | verb | √kram · laṭ-present · third | goes out, emanates |
| tadā | tadā | indeclinable | — | at that time, then |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): The verse 'tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ śveto vāyuḥ niṣkramat tadā' is often seen in the context of the Mahābhārata as an allegory for the emergence of the ultimate reality, Brahman, from the apparent duality of the world. Shankara, in his commentaries, emphasizes the non-dual nature of reality, suggesting that all differentiation, including that implied by 'white horses' and 'white wind,' is a manifestation of Maya. This verse points to the Brahman-ātman identity by indicating that just as the wind emerges from the horses, the ultimate Self (ātman) emerges from or is revealed through the illusions of the mundane world. Shankara's reasoning, as seen in his Brahmasutra Bhashya, underlines the importance of understanding the world as a unified, holistic entity, where distinctions are ephemeral and mask the ultimate reality of Brahman. Therefore, the verse invites the reader to contemplate the unity and non-duality of existence, beyond the veil of Maya.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): This verse from the Mahābhārata is interpreted within the Vaiṣṇava tradition as a symbolic representation of the relationship between the individual soul (jīva) and the Supreme Lord (Īśvara). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Brahmasutras, might view 'tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ śveto vāyuḥ niṣkramat tadā' as indicative of the grace of God, where the 'white wind' represents the divine grace that emerges from the 'white horses,' symbolizing the pure hearts of devotees. The verse suggests that from those who are pure and devoted, the divine energy or grace of Īśvara emerges, guiding and liberating the jīvas. This interpretation underscores the devotional path (bhakti mārga) as a means to experience and connect with the divine, emphasizing the loving relationship between the individual soul and the Supreme Being, where the soul's purity and devotion are rewarded with divine grace and guidance.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): In the context of contemporary life, the verse 'tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ śveto vāyuḥ niṣkramat tadā' can be seen as a metaphor for the potential within each individual to realize their higher Self. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the practical applications of Vedanta, might interpret this verse as a call to unlock one's inner potential, where 'white horses' symbolize the purified mind and 'white wind' represents the liberating knowledge or spiritual awareness. This perspective emphasizes the universal and practical application of Vedantic principles in daily life, suggesting that through self-purification and dedication, one can unlock their inner potential and contribute positively to the world. It resonates with Vivekānanda's message of self-empowerment and service to humanity, encouraging individuals to strive for a higher state of consciousness and to embody principles of purity, compassion, and wisdom in their daily lives.