tataḥ suḥṛllakṣmaṇo rājā ca devarāḥ । śoka-santapta-mityeva śataśo vācaḥ ।
“Then, Lakshmana, the king, and the brothers-in-law, being tormented by grief, spoke in this way hundred times.”
Structure
tataḥ suḥṛt lakṣmaṇo rājā ca devarāḥ śoka santapta m ity eva śataśo vācaḥ
tataḥ (then) suḥṛt (well-wisher) lakṣmaṇo (Lakshmana) rājā (the king) ca (and) devarāḥ (the brothers-in-law) śoka (grief) santapta (overwhelmed) m (that person) ity (thus) eva (indeed) śataśo (hundreds of times) vācaḥ (spoke)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tataḥ | tataḥ | indeclinable | — | then, thereafter |
| suḥṛt | suḥṛt | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | good-hearted one, friend |
| lakṣmaṇo | lakṣmaṇo | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Lakṣmaṇa |
| rājā | rājā | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | king |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| devarāḥ | devarāḥ | noun | nominative · plural · masculine | gods, divine beings |
| śoka | śoka | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | grief |
| santapta | santapta | verb | √tap · past participle · third | afflicted, tormented |
| m | m | indeclinable | — | in this way |
| ity | ity | indeclinable | — | thus, in this manner |
| eva | eva | indeclinable | — | indeed, surely |
| śataśo | śataśo | indeclinable | — | hundredfold, excessively |
| vācaḥ | vācaḥ | noun | accusative · plural · masculine | words, speech |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In this verse from the Rāmāyaṇa, the grief-stricken state of Lakshmana, the king, and the brothers-in-law serves as a backdrop to illustrate the illusory nature of the world. Shankara's commentary on the Brahma Sutras, particularly in the section discussing the nature of avidyā (ignorance), is relevant here. The repetitive mention of their suffering ('śataśo vācaḥ') underscores the cyclical and binding nature of such emotions, stemming from a fundamental misidentification of the self with the temporary and changing world. This misidentification is the root of all suffering, as it veils the true, unchanging nature of the Self (Ātman), which is ultimately one with Brahman. Thus, this verse points to the need for self-inquiry and the realization of the non-dual (Advaita) nature of reality to transcend such suffering.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The emotional distress of Lakshmana and others in this verse highlights the intimate, personal relationship between the jīva (individual souls) and Īśvara (the Lord). Ramanuja, in his Bhagavad Gita commentary, emphasizes the path of bhakti (devotion) as the means to overcome such distress. The 'śoka-santapta' (grief-tormented) state of the characters reflects the inherent dependence of jīvas on Īśvara, underscoring the need for surrender and devotion to transcend worldly suffering. This verse is seen as illustrating the compassion and concern Īśvara has for His devotees, encouraging them to seek solace and guidance in times of distress. The repetition of their lament ('śataśo vācaḥ') symbolizes the persistent yet ultimately futile attempts of the jīva to find peace without turning to Īśvara, pointing to the devotional path as the true resolution to suffering.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse from the Rāmāyaṇa offers a profound lesson on the human condition and the nature of suffering. Swami Vivekananda, in his lectures on the practical applications of Vedanta, often emphasized the importance of recognizing and transcending the limitations and sufferings of the ego-bound self. The image of Lakshmana, the king, and the brothers-in-law, tormented by grief, illustrates the universal experience of pain and the quest for its alleviation. The repetitive speech ('śataśo vācaḥ') signifies the mind's tendency to dwell on suffering, creating a cycle that binds us. Vivekananda would likely interpret this as an opportunity to apply Vedantic principles, such as non-attachment and the realization of the true Self, to break free from the cycle of suffering and achieve a state of inner peace and liberation. This verse, thus, has a practical application in contemporary life, encouraging individuals to seek a deeper understanding of themselves and the world, leading to a more compassionate and meaningful existence.