Tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgamebhyāḥ sagaraḥ paryavartata dṛṣṭvā .
“Then Sagar, having seen the white monkeys.”
Structure
Tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgamebhyāḥ sagaraḥ paryavartata dṛṣṭvā
Sagaraḥ (Sagara) dṛṣṭvā (having seen) śvetebhyaḥ (from the white) plavaṅgamebhyāḥ ( monkeys) paryavartata (turned back)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tataḥ | Tataḥ | indeclinable | — | then, thereafter |
| śvetebhyaḥ | śvetebhyaḥ | noun | dative/ablative · plural · masculine | to/from the white ones |
| plavaṅgamebhyāḥ | plavaṅgamebhyāḥ | noun | dative/ablative · plural · masculine | to/from the jumping ones |
| sagaraḥ | sagaraḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Sagara |
| paryavartata | paryavartata | verb | √vart · past · third | turned around, surveyed |
| dṛṣṭvā | dṛṣṭvā | indeclinable | — | having seen |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Mahābhārata, 'Tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgamebhyāḥ sagaraḥ paryavartata dṛṣṭvā', is often seen through the lens of non-dual understanding. Ādi Śaṅkarācārya, in his Brahmasūtra Bhāṣya, discusses the nature of the ultimate reality, Brahman, and its relation to the individual self (ātman). While not directly commenting on this verse, Shankara's philosophy can be applied here to understand that the observation of the white monkeys by Sagar can symbolize the discerning intellect (buddhi) turning towards the understanding of the true nature of reality. The white monkeys, symbolizing purity and clarity, can represent the manifestations of the ultimate reality, guiding the observer towards self-realization and the understanding of the brahman-ātman identity. This interpretation aligns with Shankara's emphasis on the path of knowledge (jñāna yoga) as a means to realize the non-dual nature of Brahman. Through this lens, the verse invites the seeker to look beyond the superficial and seek the truth that underlies all phenomena.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse can be seen as an allegory for the devotee's journey towards the realization of the divine. The 'white monkeys' could represent the embodiment of pure devotion (bhakti) and the innocent, untainted approach to the divine. Sagar, having seen these monkeys, is metaphorically turning towards a path of devotion and service, exemplifying the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his Bhagavad Gītā Bhāṣya, discusses the importance of prapatti, or self-surrender, as a means to attain divine grace. Although not directly referencing this verse, his teachings on the dependence of the jīva on Īśvara can be applied to understand Sagar's action as a form of surrender or acknowledgment of a higher power, guiding him towards his destiny. This verse, in the Vaiṣṇava context, underscores the significance of devotion and the recognition of one's place within the grand scheme of creation, under the guidance of the divine.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): From a modern perspective, this verse can be interpreted as a call to introspection and self-discovery. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the importance of looking within oneself to find the truth. The 'white monkeys' can be seen as symbols of our inner purity and potential, which are often overlooked in our pursuit of external accomplishments. Sagar's observation of these monkeys can represent the moment of introspection where one recognizes the need to connect with one's inner self. Vivekānanda, in his speech 'The Real Nature of Man', talks about the infinite potential that lies within each individual, waiting to be uncovered. This verse, in the context of Neo-Vedānta, prompts us to reflect on our values and priorities, encouraging a journey of self-discovery and the realization of our true potential. It invites us to turn inward, just as Sagar turns towards the monkeys, to find the guidance and wisdom that lie within, applicable to our contemporary lives and personal growth.