tatastu dṛṣṭvā tadgokulaṃ ca devarātena mukhyena .
“Then, having seen that chief of cowherds,”
Structure
tatastu dṛṣṭvā tad gokulaṃ ca devarātena mukhyena
tatastu (then) devarātena (by Devarāta) mukhyena (the chief) dṛṣṭvā (having seen) tad gokulaṃ (that cow-herd) ca (and)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tatastu | tatastu | indeclinable | — | then, thereafter |
| dṛṣṭvā | dṛṣṭvā | indeclinable | — | having seen |
| tad | tad | pronoun | accusative · singular · neuter | that |
| gokulaṃ | gokulaṃ | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | cow-herd's village |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| devarātena | devarātena | compound | karmadhāraya · "devarātena" | by the chief of the gods |
| mukhyena | mukhyena | indeclinable | — | chiefly, mainly |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In this verse, 'tatastu dṛṣṭvā tadgokulaṃ ca devarātena mukhyena', Shankara's non-dual reading becomes apparent when considering the term 'devarātena mukhyena', which refers to the chief of cowherds. Shankara would likely argue that the 'chief of cowherds' represents the ātman, the ultimate reality that pervades all beings. By witnessing this reality, one transcends the limitations of the individual self and realizes the brahman-ātman identity. In his commentary on the Brahma Sutras (1.1.1), Shankara emphasizes the importance of recognizing the non-dual nature of reality, which is also hinted at in this verse. The phrase 'tadgokulaṃ ca' (that cowherd community) can be seen as a symbol of the ultimate reality, which encompasses all beings and is the essence of the universe. This understanding is in line with Shankara's reasoning in his commentary on the Taittiriya Upanishad (2.1.1), where he discusses the notion of the absolute as the ultimate reality that underlies all existence.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition views this verse as a representation of the loving relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). The 'chief of cowherds' (devarātena mukhyena) is seen as a symbol of the Lord's care and protection for His devotees. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita (18.66), emphasizes the importance of surrendering to the Lord and seeking His refuge. Similarly, in this verse, the act of witnessing the chief of cowherds (tatastu dṛṣṭvā) signifies the devotee's recognition of the Lord's presence in their life. Madhvācārya, in his commentary on the Mahabharata (3.313.34), highlights the concept of 'bhakti' (devotion) as the primary means of attaining spiritual liberation. This verse can be seen as an illustration of the devotee's loving gaze upon the Lord, which is a fundamental aspect of Vaiṣṇava devotion.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekananda, in his lecture 'The Ideal of a Universal Religion' (1896), emphasized the importance of recognizing the universal principles that underlie all spiritual traditions. This verse, 'tatastu dṛṣṭvā tadgokulaṃ ca devarātena mukhyena', can be seen as a representation of the universal human aspiration for connection and community. The phrase 'tadgokulaṃ ca' (that cowherd community) symbolizes the ideal of a harmonious and inclusive society, where individuals come together in mutual respect and understanding. S. Radhakrishnan, in his book 'The Hindu View of Life' (1927), discusses the concept of 'dharma' as the universal principle of righteousness and morality. This verse can be seen as an illustration of the importance of recognizing and honoring the dignity of all individuals, regardless of their background or occupation, which is a fundamental aspect of modern Vedāntic thought.