tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgebhyaḥ śvetā hi tad-vacaḥ śrutam .
“Then from the white monkeys, for indeed the white (monkey) heard that word.”
Structure
tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgebhyaḥ śvetā hi tat vacaḥ śrutam
tataḥ (then) śvetebhyaḥ (from white monkeys) plavaṅgebhyaḥ (to) śvetā (white monkeys) hi (indeed) tat (that) vacaḥ (speech) śrutam (was heard)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tataḥ | tataḥ | indeclinable | — | then, from that place |
| śvetebhyaḥ | śvetebhyaḥ | noun | dative/ablative · plural · masculine | from the white ones |
| plavaṅgebhyaḥ | plavaṅgebhyaḥ | noun | dative/ablative · plural · masculine | from the frogs |
| śvetā | śvetā | noun | nominative · plural · masculine | white ones |
| hi | hi | indeclinable | — | indeed, for |
| tat | tat | pronoun | accusative · neuter singular · neuter | that |
| vacaḥ | vacaḥ | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | speech, words |
| śrutam | śrutam | verb | √śru · past participle · third | was heard |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Mahābhārata, 'tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgebhyaḥ śvetā hi tat vacaḥ śrutam,' suggests a deeper, non-dual understanding. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Brahma Sūtras, emphasizes the ultimate reality of Brahman and the illusory nature of the world. The 'white monkeys' can be seen as a metaphor for the purified mind or the sattvic quality, which, when approached, reveals the true nature of reality. The 'word' heard by the white monkey symbolizes the knowledge or awareness that dissolves the distinctions between the self and the ultimate reality, pointing towards the brahman-ātman identity. In his commentary on the Taittiriya Upanishad, Śaṅkara explains that the knowledge of Brahman leads to the understanding that the individual self (ātman) is not different from Brahman. Thus, this verse supports the non-dualistic view by hinting at the direct experience or hearing of the ultimate truth.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is seen through the lens of devotion and the relationship between the individual soul (jīva) and the Supreme Lord (Īśvara). Rāmānujācārya, in his interpretation, might view the 'white monkeys' as symbols of devotees who have purified their minds through bhakti. The 'word' that is heard could represent the divine message or the grace of God, which is received by those who are pure in heart. This grace leads to a deeper understanding and love for the Lord, exemplifying the personal relationship between the jīva and Īśvara. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, with his emphasis on the difference between the Lord and the souls, might interpret the verse as highlighting the role of divine intervention in the liberation of the soul, with the 'word' symbolizing the Lord's call to the devotee. Both interpretations underscore the devotional aspect, focusing on the interaction between the individual and the divine.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, with his universal and practical approach, might interpret this verse as a call to inner purification and the pursuit of knowledge. The 'white monkeys' could symbolize the aspirants on the spiritual path who are striving for self-realization. The 'word' that is heard represents the inner voice of conscience or the universal truth that guides us towards our higher selves. Vivekānanda, in his lectures, often emphasized the importance of realizing one's true nature and the potential that lies within each individual. Similarly, S. Radhakrishnan, with his blend of traditional and modern insights, might see this verse as an allegory for the journey of the human spirit towards enlightenment. The 'white' color signifies purity, and the 'monkeys' represent the restless, seeking aspect of human nature. The verse, therefore, encourages a quest for the eternal and unchanging within the changing world, reflecting the timeless and universal principles that guide human existence.