sa ca dṛṣṭvā tadekāntaṃupari tiṣṭhan vividhaānandaṃ ca tadvinayādapi ca || 280 ||
“And seeing this, he stood aside experiencing various pleasures and also delight from her modesty.”
Structure
sa ca dṛṣṭvā tad-eka-antaṃ upari tiṣṭhan vividha-ānandaṃ ca tat-vinayād api ca
saḥ (he) ca (and) dṛṣṭvā (having seen) tad-eka-antaṃ (that isolated) upari (further) tiṣṭhan (standing) vividha-ānandaṃ (various pleasures) ca (and) tat-vinayād (from modesty of that) api (even) ca (and)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| sa | sa | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| dṛṣṭvā | dṛṣṭvā | indeclinable | — | having seen |
| tad-eka-antaṃ | tad-eka-antaṃ | compound | tatpuruṣa · "tad eka-antaṃ" | that one end |
| upari | upari | indeclinable | — | above |
| tiṣṭhan | tiṣṭhan | verb | √sthā · present participle · third | standing |
| vividha-ānandaṃ | vividha-ānandaṃ | compound | tatpuruṣa · "vividha ānandaṃ" | various kinds of joy |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| tat-vinayād | tat-vinayād | compound | tatpuruṣa · "tat vinayād" | from modesty of that |
| api | api | indeclinable | — | also |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Pañcatantra, 'sa ca dṛṣṭvā tadekāntaṃupari tiṣṭhan vividhaānandaṃ ca tadvinayād api ca', can be interpreted through the lens of non-duality. Śaṅkarācārya's philosophy emphasizes the ultimate reality of Brahman and the illusory nature of the world. Here, the protagonist's experience of various pleasures and delight from her modesty can be seen as a manifestation of the unified consciousness, where the distinctions between the observer and the observed dissolve. This unity is akin to the Brahman-ātman identity, where the individual self (ātman) is ultimately one with the universal reality (Brahman). Śaṅkarācārya would likely argue that the true pleasure and delight stem not from external sources but from the realization of this inherent unity. Thus, this verse points to the importance of recognizing and embracing the non-dual nature of reality, leading to a state of liberation and true happiness.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition, with its emphasis on devotion and the personal relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Lord), offers a distinct perspective on this verse. Rāmānujācārya, for instance, might interpret the protagonist's experience as an example of the bliss that arises from devotion and surrender to the divine. The 'vividhaānandaṃ' (various pleasures) and 'tadvinayād api ca' (delight from her modesty) could symbolize the multifaceted nature of divine love and the joy that comes from submitting to the will of the Lord. This submission, or 'prapatti', is a key concept in Vaiṣṇava theology, emphasizing the importance of humility and devotion in achieving spiritual liberation. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, might focus on the distinction between the jīva and Īśvara, highlighting the role of grace in facilitating the jīva's experience of divine pleasure and joy, thus underscoring the ultimate dependence of the individual on the divine will.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): From a Neo-Vedānta perspective, this verse can be seen as advocating for a holistic approach to life, where one balances the pursuit of pleasure with the cultivation of virtues like modesty. Swami Vivekānanda, known for his emphasis on practical Vedānta, might interpret the 'vividhaānandaṃ' as the various forms of happiness that can be derived from living a fulfilling life, encompassing both worldly joys and spiritual growth. He would likely argue that true delight, as mentioned in 'tadvinayād api ca', comes from living a life of service, humility, and self-control, reflecting the universal principles of Vedānta. Similarly, S. Radhakrishnan, with his focus on the applicability of Vedāntic principles to modern life, might see this verse as a call to integrate the spiritual and the secular, finding joy and meaning in both personal relationships and the pursuit of one's duties, thus embodying the ideals of a balanced and enlightened individual.