tatsarvam uktvā ca pṛtṛṇāṃ pitaram prati
“Having spoken thus unto his father among the ancestors”
Structure
tat sarvam uktvā ca pṛtṛṇāṁ pitaram prati
tat sarvam (all that) uktvā (having spoken) ca (and) pṛtṛṇāṁ (of the ancestors) pitaram (to the father) prati (towards)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tat | tat | pronoun | accusative · neuter singular · neuter | that |
| sarvam | sarvam | adjective | — | all |
| uktvā | uktvā | indeclinable | — | having said |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| pṛtṛṇāṁ | pṛtṛṇāṁ | noun | genitive · plural · masculine | of Pṛthinā |
| pitaram | pitaram | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | father |
| prati | prati | indeclinable | — | towards |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, 'tatsarvam uktvā ca pṛtṛṇāṃ pitaram prati', underscores the non-dual nature of reality by subtly suggesting the unity of the individual self with the ultimate reality, Brahman. According to Shankara, the address to 'pitaram prati' (unto his father among the ancestors) can be seen as a metaphor for the ultimate source or the unchanging essence behind all phenomena. In his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, Shankara emphasizes the concept of 'ekatva' or oneness, suggesting that the distinctions we perceive are but mere names and forms (nāma-rūpa) of the one, all-encompassing Brahman. This verse, by highlighting the act of speaking truth unto one's father among the ancestors, points towards the revelation of this ultimate truth or Brahman-ātman identity, where the individual self (ātman) is recognized to be none other than Brahman itself. This understanding dissolves the distinctions and dualities, leading to a profound realization of non-duality (advaita).
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition interprets this verse through the lens of bhakti, emphasizing the devotional relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his Sri Bhashya, discusses the nature of this relationship, highlighting the dependence of the jīva on Īśvara for liberation. The act of speaking truth unto one's father, as depicted in the verse, can be seen as a metaphor for the jīva's surrender and devotion to Īśvara, which is the path to achieving liberation (moksha). Madhvācārya, on the other hand, might interpret this verse in the context of his concept of 'bheda-abheda', where he maintains a difference between the individual soul and the Supreme Lord, yet emphasizes their interconnectedness. For Madhva, the verse suggests the jīva's recognition of and submission to the will of Īśvara, facilitating a deeper understanding of their distinct yet interrelated roles within the cosmos.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekananda and Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, key figures of Neo-Vedānta, would interpret this verse as a call to recognize and honor the universal principles that govern human existence. Vivekananda, in his lectures on the Bhagavad Gita, emphasized the importance of understanding one's true nature and realizing the unity of all existence. This verse, with its reference to speaking truth unto one's father among the ancestors, can be seen as an exhortation to uphold integrity and honesty as fundamental virtues, not just in personal life but as a universal principle. Radhakrishnan, with his emphasis on the practical applications of Vedāntic philosophy, might view this verse as highlighting the ethical dimension of spiritual growth, where the recognition of one's place within the larger family of humanity (and by extension, the universe) is essential for personal and societal advancement. This perspective underscores the universal and timeless relevance of the Mahābhārata's teachings, making them as pertinent to contemporary life as they were in ancient times.