tato dharmasahito rājā ṛṣim prapraccha dhārmikam.
“Then the king, accompanied by Dharma, asked the sage a question related to Dharma.”
Structure
tato dharmasahito rājā ṛṣim prapraccha dhārmikam
tato (then) dharmasahito (accompanied by Dharma) rājā (the king) ṛṣim (the sage) dhārmikam (who was righteous) prapraccha (questioned)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tato | tato | indeclinable | — | then, thereafter |
| dharmasahito | dharmasahito | compound | bahuvrīhi · "dharmena sahitaḥ" | accompanied by Dharma |
| rājā | rājā | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | king |
| ṛṣim | ṛṣim | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | sage, Rishi |
| prapraccha | prapraccha | verb | √pra-prach · past · third | asked, inquired |
| dhārmikam | dhārmikam | adjective | — | who is righteous or virtuous |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In this verse, the king accompanied by Dharma, symbolizes the individual self (jiva) accompanied by its inherent nature (dharma), seeking guidance from the sage, who represents the ultimate reality (Brahman). Shankara's commentary on the Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 3, Verse 25) emphasizes the importance of understanding one's own dharma, which is inextricably linked to the realization of the brahman-ātman identity. The king's inquiry into dharmikam (duty/righteousness) signifies the quest for self-knowledge, where the individual seeks to understand its true nature, ultimately leading to the realization that the individual self is not separate from the universal Self (Brahman). This verse highlights the non-dual nature of reality, where the distinction between the king, Dharma, and the sage dissolves, revealing the ultimate truth of Advaita.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): This verse underscores the significance of bhakti (devotion) and the relationship between the jiva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Brahma Sutras (2.3.40), emphasizes the importance of prapatti (surrender) to the Lord, which is exemplified by the king's inquiry into dharmikam. The king's accompaniment by Dharma signifies the influence of divine grace, guiding the individual towards its ultimate goal of union with the Lord. Madhvācārya, in his Anuvyākhyāna, highlights the concept of 'sādhana' (means to attain the Lord), where the individual, through devotion and inquiry into dharma, develops a deeper understanding of its relationship with the Lord, ultimately leading to moksha (liberation).
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse resonates with contemporary life, emphasizing the importance of self-inquiry and exploration of one's values and principles (dharma). Swami Vivekānanda, in his lecture 'The Ideal of a Universal Religion' (1896), highlights the need for individuals to seek guidance from spiritual leaders and scriptures, while also encouraging self-reflection and introspection. S. Rādhākrishnan, in his book 'The Bhagavadgita' (1948), underscores the significance of understanding one's own dharma, not as a rigid set of rules, but as a living, dynamic principle that guides individuals towards their highest potential. The king's inquiry into dharmikam serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of embracing one's own values and principles, and living a life of authenticity, integrity, and purpose.