tataḥ śvetavrajāṃ hṛṣṭām upagamya atha vedagām .
“Then he approached the delighted cow with the white markings, which knew the Vedas.”
Structure
tataḥ śvetavrajāṃ hṛṣṭām upagamya atha vedagām
tataḥ (then) upagamya (having approached) atha (there) śvetavrajām (white, fair or beautiful cow) hṛṣṭām (delighted, happy) vedagām (knowledgeable)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tataḥ | tataḥ | indeclinable | — | then, thereafter |
| śvetavrajāṃ | śvetavrajāṃ | noun | accusative · singular · feminine | white-dwelling (or a place name) |
| hṛṣṭām | hṛṣṭām | noun | accusative · singular · feminine | delighted, joyful one |
| upagamya | upagamya | indeclinable | — | having approached, going near |
| atha | atha | indeclinable | — | then, now |
| vedagām | vedagām | noun | accusative · singular · feminine | one who knows the Veda |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Mahābhārata, 'tataḥ śvetavrajāṃ hṛṣṭām upagamya atha vedagām', underscores the non-dual nature of reality, where the distinctions between the knower, the known, and the act of knowing dissolve. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Brahmasūtra, interprets similar passages to highlight the ultimate identity of brahman and ātman. The mention of a cow 'which knew the Vedas' symbolizes the inherent wisdom present in all beings, a wisdom that is not acquired but is an intrinsic part of the universal consciousness. This understanding points to the brahman-ātman identity, where the individual self (ātman) is not separate from the universal self (brahman). The approach to the 'delighted cow with white markings' signifies the path towards realizing this unity, where the distinctions of worldly knowledge (symbolized by the Vedas) are transcended to reveal the true, unified nature of existence.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is seen as an allegory for the relationship between the jīva (the individual soul) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). The 'delighted cow with white markings' represents the jīva that has attained a state of bliss and purity through devotion to Īśvara. The cow's knowledge of the Vedas signifies the jīva's potential for spiritual growth and understanding under the guidance of Īśvara. Rāmānujācārya would likely interpret this verse in the context of viśiṣṭādvaita, emphasizing the real difference between the jīva and Īśvara while also highlighting their inseparable relationship. Madhvācārya, from a dvaita perspective, might view the verse as illustrating the jīva's dependence on Īśvara for liberation, with the approach to the cow representing the path of devotion and surrender. Both perspectives emphasize the devotional aspect and the ultimate goal of achieving a loving relationship with the Supreme.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse, 'tataḥ śvetavrajāṃ hṛṣṭām upagamya atha vedagām', offers a profound message for contemporary life. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the universal principles of Vedānta that could be applied to everyday life. The 'delighted cow with white markings' can be seen as a symbol of inner peace and contentment, achievable through a deeper understanding and practice of spiritual principles. The cow's knowledge of the Vedas represents the innate potential in every individual for spiritual growth and self-realization. S. Radhakrishnan, in his philosophical works, highlighted the importance of integrating spiritual values into modern life. He would likely interpret this verse as a call to seek the universal truths that underlie all existence, promoting a life of harmony, compassion, and wisdom. This verse thus encourages us to approach life with a sense of reverence, seeking to understand and connect with the deeper, universal reality that underlies all phenomena.