tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgamēbhyaḥ sumahātmēbhyā ēva ca .
“Then (he went) to the white monkeys of great prowess.”
Structure
tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgamēbhyaḥ sumahātmēbhyā ēva ca
tataḥ (then) śvetebhyaḥ (from the white ones) plavaṅgamēbhyaḥ (to the leaping ones) sumahātmēbhyā (to the great-souled ones) ēva (alone) ca (and)
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 |
| plavaṅgamēbhyaḥ | plavaṅgamēbhyaḥ | noun | dative/ablative · plural · masculine | from the leaping ones |
| sumahātmēbhyā | sumahātmēbhyā | noun | dative/ablative · plural · masculine | from the very great ones |
| ēva | eva | indeclinable | — | indeed, surely |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In this verse, the reference to 'white monkeys of great prowess' can be seen as a metaphorical pointer to the purified mind or the sādhaka (seeker) who has transcended the limitations of the mundane world. Shankara's commentary on similar passages in the Upanishads emphasizes the notion of non-duality, where the individual self (ātman) is ultimately one with the supreme reality (Brahman). The 'whiteness' of the monkeys might symbolize the state of purity and wisdom, implying that the protagonist's journey is inward, towards realizing the unity of all existence. This interpretation aligns with Shankara's philosophy, where the ultimate goal is to understand and experience the brahman-ātman identity, dissolving the distinctions between the individual self and the universal consciousness.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition, particularly through the lens of Rāmānujācārya, would view this verse as an illustration of the grace of Īśvara (the Lord) in guiding the jīva (the individual soul) towards liberation. The 'white monkeys' could represent the devotees or the embodiments of divine qualities, who, under the guidance of the Lord, assist in the spiritual journey of the protagonist. This perspective emphasizes the relationship between the jīva and Īśvara, highlighting the importance of devotion and surrender. Rāmānujācārya's philosophy of Viśiṣṭādvaita (qualified non-dualism) would interpret this verse as showcasing the interdependence of the individual soul and the divine, where the ultimate reality is a personal God who engages with the world and its beings.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda would likely view this verse as a call to action, symbolizing the potential for human transformation and the importance of selfless work. The 'white monkeys of great prowess' could represent the ideal of selfless service, where individuals, having purified their minds and attained a state of inner strength, dedicate themselves to the betterment of society. This interpretation is in line with Vivekānanda's emphasis on practical Vedānta, where spirituality is not merely a philosophical pursuit but a lived experience that translates into service to humanity. Similarly, S. Rādhākrishnan might see this verse as underscoring the universal values of compassion, cooperation, and the pursuit of excellence, which are essential for personal growth and societal progress in the modern world.