tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgamebhyaḥ saṅgamaḥ
“Then with the white monkeys there was an union.”
Structure
tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgamebhyaḥ saṅgamaḥ
tataḥ (then) śvetebhyaḥ (with the white ones) plavaṅgamebhyaḥ (with the jumping 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 |
| plavaṅgamebhyaḥ | plavaṅgamebhyaḥ | noun | dative/ablative · plural · masculine | from the jumping ones |
| saṅgamaḥ | saṅgamaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | union, meeting |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In the context of the Mahābhārata, the verse 'tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgamebhyaḥ saṅgamaḥ' can be interpreted through the lens of non-dualism. Shankara's commentary on the Brahma Sutras emphasizes the ultimate reality of Brahman and the illusory nature of the world. Here, the union with the white monkeys can symbolize the jiva's (individual self) journey towards realizing its true nature as ātman, which is ultimately one with Brahman. The 'white monkeys' may represent the sattvic (pure) aspects of the mind, and their union signifies the integration of the individual's awareness with the universal consciousness. This interpretation aligns with Shankara's reasoning that the ultimate goal of spiritual pursuit is to realize the identity of ātman and Brahman, transcending the dualities of the world.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): From a Vaiṣṇava perspective, the verse suggests a devotional union where the jīva (individual soul) comes into a loving relationship with Īśvara (the Lord). The 'white monkeys' could symbolize the pristine and pure aspects of the devotee's heart, which yearns for union with the divine. This interpretation is in line with Rāmānujācārya's concept of 'prapatti' or surrender, where the devotee surrenders to the will of the Lord, seeking refuge and union. The union mentioned in the verse can be seen as a metaphor for the soul's longing to reunite with its source, similar to the Gopis' love for Krishna in the Bhāgavata Purāṇa. This emphasizes the personal and relational aspect of the divine, highlighting the importance of bhakti (devotion) in achieving spiritual liberation.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the practical application of Vedāntic principles in everyday life. The verse 'tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgamebhyaḥ saṅgamaḥ' can be seen as a call to unity and integration. The 'white monkeys' may symbolize the diverse aspects of human nature or society, and their union represents the harmonization of these elements. This resonates with Vivekānanda's vision of a unified world, where differences are transcended for the greater good. Similarly, S. Radhakrishnan, in his philosophical works, stressed the importance of realizing the universal spirit that binds humanity together. This verse, in a modern context, encourages us to strive for a world where our individual and collective energies are directed towards the common goal of peace, understanding, and enlightenment, reflecting the universal and practical application of Vedāntic principles.