tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgamebhyaḥ śṛṇvato vacanam
“Then, he heard the words from the white monkeys.”
Structure
tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgamebhyaḥ śṛṇvataḥ vacanam
tataḥ (then) śvetebhyaḥ (from the white ones) plavaṅgamebhyaḥ (to the jumping ones) śṛṇvataḥ (of the listener) vacanam (the speech)
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 |
| plavaṅgamebhyaḥ | plavaṅgamebhyaḥ | noun | dative/ablative · plural · masculine | to/from the leaping ones |
| śṛṇvataḥ | śṛṇvataḥ | verb | √śru · laṭ-present · second | you hear |
| vacanam | vacanam | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | speech, words |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Mahābhārata, 'tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgamebhyaḥ śṛṇvataḥ vacanam', suggests the impartial and all-encompassing nature of reality, akin to the concept of Brahman. Shankara, in his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, often emphasizes the necessity of recognizing the ultimate non-dual reality beyond the manifestations of the world. The mention of 'white monkeys' might be seen as a metaphor for the pure and untainted essence of the Self, which, when heard or understood, leads to a deeper understanding of the unity of all existence. This aligns with Shankara's emphasis on the brahman-ātman identity, where the individual self (ātman) is ultimately one with the universal reality (Brahman). The verse, in an Advaitic reading, invites the listener to transcend the duality of the mundane world and seek the truth that underlies all phenomena.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the context of Vaiṣṇava theology, this verse could be interpreted as an allegory for the devotee's relationship with the divine. The 'white monkeys' might symbolize the pure and devoted messengers or aspects of the divine, guiding the seeker towards a deeper understanding and connection with Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his writings, such as the Śrī Bhāṣya, often discusses the importance of devotion and the role of divine grace in realizing the true nature of the self and its relationship with God. This verse, therefore, can be seen as an illustration of how the jīva (individual soul) listens to and follows the guidance of Īśvara, embodied in the pure and white monkeys, to attain a state of surrender and devotion, which is central to Vaiṣṇava thought.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekananda, in his lectures and writings, frequently emphasized the universal principles that underlie all religions and philosophies. This verse, with its imagery of listening to the 'white monkeys', might be seen as a call to listen to the inner voice of conscience or the universal truth that resides within every individual. Vivekananda, in his 'Complete Works', often speaks about the importance of self-realization and the potential for human growth and development. Similarly, S. Radhakrishnan, in his philosophical works, discusses the concept of the universal self and the need for individuals to realize their true nature. This verse, in a modern interpretation, encourages individuals to seek wisdom from within, to listen to the voice of their higher self, and to strive for a state of unity and understanding that transcends the boundaries of the mundane world, reflecting the practical and universal application of Vedāntic thought in contemporary life.