tataḥ śveto mukha-visphoṭād viciccheḍyata tena vai
“Then from his mouth a white thing burst out and was separated by him.”
Structure
tataḥ śveto mukha-visphoṭāt viciccheḍyata tena vai
tataḥ (then) tena (by him) vai (indeed) śveto (white) mukha-visphoṭāt (from the mouth) viciccheḍyata (was split)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tataḥ | tataḥ | indeclinable | — | then, thereafter |
| śveto | śveto | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | white one, referring to a color or an object |
| mukha | mukha | noun | instrumental · singular · neuter | face, mouth |
| visphoṭāt | visphoṭāt | noun | ablative · singular · masculine | from explosion or burst |
| viciccheḍyata | viciccheḍyata | verb | √chid · passive voice, present tense · third | was being split or separated |
| tena | tena | pronoun | instrumental · singular · masculine | by him, with that |
| vai | vai | indeclinable | — | indeed, verily |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In his Brahmasūtra Bhāṣya, Śaṅkara discusses the concept of brahman-ātman identity, which is reflected in this verse. The 'white thing' that bursts out from the mouth can be interpreted as the manifestation of the ultimate reality, Brahman, which is beyond human comprehension. According to Śaṅkara, this verse points to the non-dual nature of reality, where the individual self (ātman) is ultimately one with the universal self (Brahman). The separation (viciccheḍyata) refers to the illusion of duality, which is dispelled when one realizes the true nature of reality. This interpretation is in line with Śaṅkara's commentary on the Upaniṣads, where he emphasizes the importance of understanding the non-dual nature of reality to attain liberation. By extension, this verse can be seen as a call to introspection, encouraging the seeker to look beyond the fleeting phenomena of the world and discover the eternal, unchanging reality within.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse can be seen as a representation of the relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Lord). The 'white thing' that bursts out from the mouth may symbolize the outpouring of devotion and love towards the Lord. According to Rāmānujācārya, the separation (viciccheḍyata) refers to the distinction between the jīva and Īśvara, which is a fundamental aspect of the Vaiṣṇava philosophy. However, this distinction is not a barrier to the devotion and love that the jīva can offer to Īśvara. In fact, the Vaiṣṇava tradition emphasizes the importance of cultivating a personal relationship with the Lord, which is characterized by love, devotion, and surrender. This verse can be seen as an invitation to the devotee to offer their love and devotion to the Lord, and to recognize the Lord's presence in all aspects of life.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lecture on 'The Absolute and the Machine', discusses the concept of the ultimate reality and its relationship to the human experience. This verse can be seen as a representation of the human quest for meaning and purpose, where the 'white thing' that bursts out from the mouth symbolizes the aspirations and desires that drive human beings. According to Vivekānanda, the separation (viciccheḍyata) refers to the fragmentation of human consciousness, which prevents us from realizing our true potential. To overcome this fragmentation, Vivekānanda advocates for a holistic approach to life, which integrates the physical, mental, and spiritual aspects of human existence. This verse can be seen as a call to integrate our lives, to recognize the interconnectedness of all things, and to strive for a higher level of consciousness that transcends the limitations of the individual self.