Tato rājā mahābāhuḥ paripravaśruteḥ śṛṇvān āptavacanaṁ śreṣṭham
“Then the king with great strength, hearing the excellent words of one who had come to instruct him”
Structure
Tato rājā mahābāhuḥ paripravahśruteḥ śṛṇvān āpta vacanaṁ śreṣṭham
Tato (then) rājā (the king) mahābāhuḥ (the great-armed one) paripravahśruteḥ (from the well-informed) śṛṇvān (hearing) āpta (authoritative) vacanaṁ (words) śreṣṭham (the best)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tato | Tato | indeclinable | — | Then, thereafter |
| rājā | rājā | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | king |
| mahābāhuḥ | mahābāhuḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | strong-armed, powerful |
| paripravaḥ | paripravaḥ | compound | tatpuruṣa · "pari-pravaḥ" | having flown around or about |
| śruteḥ | śruteḥ | noun | genitive · singular · feminine | of the one who has heard or learned |
| śṛṇvān | śṛṇvān | verb | √śru · present participle · first | listening |
| āpta | āpta | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | reliable, trustworthy |
| vacanaṁ | vacanaṁ | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | word, speech |
| śreṣṭham | śreṣṭham | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | best, excellent |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Rāmāyaṇa underscores the significance of seeking wisdom from those who have realized the ultimate truth. According to Shankara, the king with great strength represents the individual self (jīva) who, despite possessing great capabilities, still requires guidance to understand the supreme reality (Brahman). The phrase 'āptavacanaṁ śreṣṭham' (excellent words of one who has come to instruct) signifies the importance of śabda (scriptural testimony) in unveiling the non-dual nature of reality. Shankara, in his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, emphasizes the role of a qualified teacher (guru) in imparting this knowledge, facilitating the understanding that the individual self is, in essence, not different from Brahman (Brahma Sutra Bhashya, 1.1.4). This verse thus points to the brahman-ātman identity, highlighting the necessity of seeking guidance to realize this fundamental truth.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, particularly through the lens of Rāmānujācārya, this verse is seen as an exemplification of the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). The king, symbolizing the jīva, is in a state of receptivity ('śṛṇvān'), indicating the importance of humility and the eagerness to learn from those who can impart spiritual knowledge. Ramanuja, in his Sri Bhashya, comments on the concept of 'āptavacana' as a means to understand the will of God, thereby emphasizing devotion (bhakti) and self-surrender (prapatti) as essential components of the spiritual journey. This verse highlights the role of a guru or a divine messenger in guiding the devotee towards the path of realizing one's true nature and the nature of the Supreme, underscoring the dependent yet loving relationship between the jīva and Īśvara.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekananda and S. Radhakrishnan, key figures in modern Vedāntic thought, interpreted this verse as a call to action for spiritual seekers in the contemporary world. The 'king with great strength' represents the modern individual with immense potential, yet in need of guidance to fulfill this potential. Vivekananda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the importance of a strong and pure character, likening it to the 'great strength' of the king. The 'āptavacanaṁ śreṣṭham' symbolizes the universal and timeless wisdom that transcends specific traditions, urging individuals to seek out and apply this knowledge in their daily lives. Radhakrishnan, in his philosophical works, such as 'The Hindu View of Life', underscores the relevance of spiritual guidance in navigating the complexities of modern life, advocating for a synthesis of the spiritual and the secular. This verse thus serves as a reminder of the practical and universal applicability of spiritual principles in achieving personal and societal well-being.