tato rājā janayat tān sarvān abhivadat
“Then the king begot all those and addressed them.”
Structure
tato rājā janayat tān sarvān abhivadat
tato (then) rājā (the king) tān (those) sarvān (all) janayat (was producing/ generating) abhivadat (was addressing)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tato | tato | indeclinable | — | then, thereafter |
| rājā | rājā | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | king |
| janayat | janayat | verb | √jan · present · third | he generates, produces or begets |
| tān | tān | pronoun | accusative · plural | them, those |
| sarvān | sarvān | noun | accusative · plural · masculine | all, every one |
| abhivadat | abhivadat | verb | √vad · present · third | he greets, addresses |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, tato rājā janayat tān sarvān abhivadat, from the Mahābhārata, presents an opportunity to reflect on the nature of reality and the self. According to Shankara, the king's act of begetting and addressing his subjects can be seen as a metaphor for the ultimate reality, Brahman, manifesting and interacting with the world. The verse implies a non-dual reality where the distinctions between the king, his subjects, and the act of addressing are ultimately illusory. This interpretation is in line with Shankara's commentary on the Brahma Sutras, where he argues that the ultimate reality is beyond human comprehension and can only be understood through the realization of the identity of Brahman and Atman. In this context, the king's action represents the līlā, or playful creation, of Brahman, emphasizing the non-dual nature of existence. Shankara's reasoning on similar passages, such as the Chandogya Upanishad, highlights the importance of understanding the ultimate reality beyond the limitations of the individual self.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The verse tato rājā janayat tān sarvān abhivadat, signifies the benevolent and gracious nature of the Supreme Lord, Ishvara. Ramanuja, in his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, emphasizes the personal relationship between the jiva (individual self) and Ishvara. The king, representing Ishvara, begets and addresses his subjects, symbolizing the Lord's gracious interaction with his devotees. This verse underscores the Vaiṣṇava notion of the Lord's sovereignty and the dependence of the individual self on Him. Madhva, on the other hand, might interpret the king's action as an expression of the Lord's independents and unmatched glory, highlighting the distinction between the Lord and his creation. Both Ramanuja and Madhva would likely emphasize the importance of devotion and surrender to the Lord, as illustrated by the king's subjects, to attain spiritual liberation and experience the Lord's loving interaction.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse, tato rājā janayat tān sarvān abhivadat, offers a profound message relevant to contemporary life. Swami Vivekananda, in his lectures on the Mahābhārata, often emphasized the importance of recognizing the divine within oneself and others. The king's act of begetting and addressing his subjects can be seen as a symbol of the universal and eternal truth that underlies all existence. The verse encourages us to look beyond the superficial distinctions and recognize the inherent unity and interconnectedness of all beings. Radhakrishnan, in his writings on Indian philosophy, highlights the significance of this verse in illustrating the concept of 'tat tvam asi' or 'that thou art,' which refers to the ultimate identity of the individual self with the universal reality. This understanding can inspire us to cultivate empathy, compassion, and a sense of global citizenship, leading to a more harmonious and peaceful world.