Tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgamebhyāḥ sahasraśo nadyḥ pravavarśuḥ
“Then from the white (clouds) and jumping (clouds) a thousand rivers flowed”
Structure
Tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgamebhyāḥ sahasraśaḥ nadyḥ pra-vavarśuḥ
Tataḥ (then) śvetebhyaḥ (from white ones) plavaṅgamebhyāḥ (to leapers) sahasraśaḥ (in thousands) nadyḥ (rivers) pra-vavarśuḥ (poured forth)
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 |
| plavaṅgamebhyāḥ | plavaṅgamebhyāḥ | noun | dative/ablative · plural · masculine | from the leaping ones |
| sahasraśaḥ | sahasraśaḥ | indeclinable | — | in thousands |
| nadyḥ | nadyḥ | noun | nominative · plural · masculine | rivers |
| pra | pra | indeclinable | — | forth, out |
| vavarśuḥ | vavarśuḥ | verb | √vṛṣ · past · third | poured forth |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Mahābhārata, 'tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgamebhyāḥ sahasraśo nadyḥ pravavarśuḥ', when interpreted through the lens of Advaita Vedānta, points to the non-dual nature of reality. Shankara's commentary on similar passages in the Upanishads emphasizes the ultimate reality, Brahman, as the source of all manifestations. Here, the 'white clouds' and 'jumping clouds' can be seen as symbolic of the diverse, yet unified, expressions of Brahman. The 'thousand rivers' that flow from them signify the multitude of ways in which the ultimate reality manifests in the world. This interpretation underscores the idea that all phenomena, including natural elements like rivers and clouds, are interconnected and stem from a singular, unified source. Thus, the verse supports the Advaita Vedānta philosophy by suggesting that the distinctions we perceive in the world are ultimately illusory, and that all is Brahman.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse can be seen as symbolizing the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Rāmānujācārya's Vishishtadvaita philosophy posits that the jīva and Īśvara are intimately connected, with the jīva being a part of Īśvara. The 'white clouds' and 'jumping clouds' may represent the grace of Īśvara, from which the 'thousand rivers' of spiritual guidance and nourishment flow to the jīvas. This interpretation emphasizes the devotional aspect, highlighting the dependence of the individual soul on the divine for spiritual growth and liberation. The verse thus supports the Vaiṣṇava view of a personal, loving God who is the source of all blessings and the goal of all spiritual striving.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, a key figure in Neo-Vedānta, often spoke about the universal principles of Vedānta and their practical application in modern life. This verse, with its imagery of diverse rivers flowing from unified cloud sources, can be seen as a metaphor for the diversity and unity of human experience. Vivekānanda might interpret the 'thousand rivers' as representing the multitude of paths to spiritual realization, all stemming from the singular source of human aspiration for the divine. This perspective encourages an inclusive and pluralistic understanding of spirituality, where all paths are valued as expressions of a common human quest. In contemporary life, this verse can remind us of the importance of appreciating and respecting the diversity of spiritual traditions and practices, while recognizing their common source in the human search for meaning and transcendence.