tathā daśaratho rājā prīto nihsṛṣṭa hetikaḥ
“And thus King Daśaratha, pleased and free from worry, ”
Structure
tathā daśaratho rājā prīto nihsṛṣṭa hetikaḥ
daśaratho (of Dasharatha) rājā (the king) tathā (thus) prīto (pleased) hetikaḥ (with affection) nihsṛṣṭa (sent forth)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tathā | tathā | indeclinable | — | thus, in that manner |
| daśaratho | daśaratho | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Daśaratha (the king) |
| rājā | rājā | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | king |
| prīto | prīto | verb | √prī · past participle · third | pleased, delighted |
| nihsṛṣṭa | nihsṛṣṭa | verb | √sṛj · past participle · third | released, let go |
| hetikaḥ | hetikaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | with a bow, an archer |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Rāmāyaṇa, 'tathā daśaratho rājā prīto nihsṛṣṭa hetikaḥ', illustrates the state of a king who, having fulfilled his duties and let go of his attachments, becomes free from worry and is pleased. Shankara, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, discusses the concept of 'vairagya' or detachment, which is closely related to the state of King Daśaratha described here. According to Shankara, true freedom and peace arise from the recognition of the non-dual nature of reality (Brahman) and the understanding that the ultimate self (ātman) is not bound by worldly attachments or desires. This verse can be seen as pointing towards the brahman-ātman identity, as King Daśaratha's freedom from worry and his state of pleasure suggest a transcendence of worldly concerns, hinting at a deeper, unitive consciousness.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse can be interpreted through the lens of bhakti or devotion, highlighting the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Brahmasūtra, emphasizes the concept of 'prapatti' or surrender to the will of the Lord, which can lead to a state of peace and freedom from worry, as seen in King Daśaratha. The pleasure and freedom from worry experienced by the king can be seen as a result of his surrender to the divine will, embodying the principle of prapatti. This reading underscores the Vaiṣṇava emphasis on devotion and surrender as a path to liberation and peace.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): From a modern perspective, this verse offers insights into the human quest for happiness and fulfillment. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures, often spoke about the importance of detachment and self-control as means to achieve inner peace and freedom. The state of King Daśaratha, as described in the verse, can be seen as an example of such detachment and self-control, leading to a state of pleasure and freedom from worry. This verse can be connected to contemporary life by emphasizing the universal human aspiration for peace and happiness. It suggests that true fulfillment comes not from external sources but from within, through the cultivation of a detached and joyful mindset, as epitomized by King Daśaratha's state. This reading aligns with the Neo-Vedānta emphasis on the practical application of spiritual principles in everyday life.