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Mahābhārata · 1.59
ततो धर्मसहितो धर्मज्ञो द्रुपदो द्रौपदेयान् ।

tato dharmasahito dharmajño drupado draupadeyān

Then Drupada, accompanied by Dharmajña, addressed the Draupadeyas.

TTS

Structure

Padaccheda — word separation

tato dharmasahito dharmajño drupado draupadeyān

Anvaya — prose reordering

tato (then) drupado (Drupada) dharmasahito (accompanied by Dharma) dharmajño (knower of Dharma) draupadeyān (Drupada's sons)

Word-by-Word Grammar

WordIASTTypeGrammarMeaning
tatotatoindeclinablethen, thereafter
dharmasahitodharmasahitocompoundbahuvrīhi · "dharmasahitah"accompanied by dharma
dharmajñodharmajñocompoundbahuvrīhi · "dharmajñah"knowing dharma
drupadodrupadonounnominative · singular · masculineDrupada
draupadeyāndraupadeyānnounaccusative · plural · masculinesons of Draupadī

Scholarly Commentary

Advaita Vedānta(Ādi Śaṅkarācārya)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In this verse, Śaṅkarācārya would likely highlight the non-dual nature of reality, pointing out that Drupada's actions, though performed with a sense of separate identity, ultimately stem from the unified consciousness of Brahman. The term 'dharmajño' (one who knows dharma) can be seen as an allusion to the discerning intellect that recognizes the ultimate reality beyond the veil of distinctions. Śaṅkarācārya might argue that Drupada's addressing the Draupadeyas is an expression of the inherent unity and interconnectedness of all beings, an illusion of separateness being dispelled by the knowledge of the ultimate truth, thus revealing the brahman-ātman identity. This aligns with Śaṅkarācārya's commentary on the Brahma Sutras, where he emphasizes the dissolution of the distinctions between individual selves and the supreme Self through the acquisition of true knowledge.

Vaiṣṇava Tradition(Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya)

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): From a Vaiṣṇava perspective, this verse can be seen as a demonstration of the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Drupada, as a representative of the jīva, acknowledges his dependence on a higher power, here symbolized by Dharmajña, who embodies the principles of righteousness and duty. Rāmānujācārya might interpret this as a manifestation of 'prapatti' or surrender, where the individual recognizes their limitations and seeks guidance from a higher authority, thus illustrating the devotional path. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, might focus on the distinction between the individual selves and the Supreme, highlighting the role of grace and divine intervention in guiding the actions of devotees like Drupada, who, accompanied by Dharmajña, seeks the welfare of the Draupadeyas, reflecting a desire to act in harmony with divine will.

Neo-Vedānta(Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan)

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse can be seen as a call to recognize the universal duty and responsibility that binds us all, as exemplified by Drupada's concern for the Draupadeyas. Swami Vivekānanda would likely emphasize the practical application of this principle, advocating for selfless action and service to others as a means of realizing one's true nature and contributing to the greater good. In his lecture 'Practical Vedanta', Vivekānanda discusses the importance of realizing one's unity with all existence and acting accordingly, reflecting a similar sentiment to that expressed in this verse. S. Radhakrishnan might connect this to the concept of 'dharma' as it applies to contemporary life, highlighting the need for individuals to recognize their role within the larger social and cosmic framework, thereby fostering a sense of global citizenship and cooperative living, where actions are guided by a universal sense of duty and compassion.

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