tasya vacanād rājā tuṣṭaḥ paryāhṛtya pāṇḍavaḥ
“The king, being pleased with his words, having called back the Pāṇḍavas.”
Structure
tasya vacanād rājā tuṣṭaḥ paryāhṛtya pāṇḍavaḥ
rājā (king) tasya (his) vacanād (from words) tuṣṭaḥ (pleased) pāṇḍavaḥ (Pāṇḍavas) paryāhṛtya (having fetched)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tasya | tasya | pronoun | genitive · singular · masculine | of him |
| vacanād | vacanād | noun | ablative · singular · masculine | from the speech |
| rājā | rājā | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | the king |
| tuṣṭaḥ | tuṣṭaḥ | verb | √tuṣ · past participle · third | being pleased |
| paryāhṛtya | paryāhṛtya | indeclinable | — | having summoned |
| pāṇḍavaḥ | pāṇḍavaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | the Pāṇḍava |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Rāmāyaṇa illustrates the principle of satisfaction or contentment (tuṣṭaḥ) that arises from the union of the individual self (jīva) with the ultimate reality (Brahman). According to Shankara, the king's pleasure symbolizes the jīva's satisfaction upon realizing its true nature as Brahman. The calling back of the Pāṇḍavas can be seen as a metaphor for the withdrawal of the senses and the mind from external objects, leading to a state of inner peace and unity. In his commentary on the Brahmasūtra (1.1.1), Shankara explains that the realization of Brahman-ātman identity is the ultimate goal of human existence. This verse, in the context of the Rāmāyaṇa, highlights the importance of self-control and the pursuit of knowledge in achieving this unity. The king's pleasure is a reflection of the bliss (ānanda) that accompanies the realization of one's true nature, underscoring the non-dualistic vision of Advaita Vedānta.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): From a Vaiṣṇava perspective, this verse emphasizes the relationship between the devotee (jīva) and the Lord (Īśvara). The king's satisfaction (tuṣṭaḥ) represents the Lord's pleasure with the devotion of his devotees. The calling back of the Pāṇḍavas symbolizes the Lord's grace, which guides the devotee towards the path of righteousness. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā (18.66), explains that the Lord's grace is essential for the devotee's spiritual growth and liberation. This verse highlights the importance of self-surrender (prapatti) and devotion (bhakti) in achieving a loving relationship with the Lord. The Vaiṣṇava tradition interprets the king's pleasure as a manifestation of the Lord's love and compassion for his devotees, emphasizing the personal and relational aspect of the divine.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse can be seen as a call to self-reflection and introspection, where the king's satisfaction represents the individual's inner peace and contentment. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lecture 'The Powers of the Mind' (Complete Works, Vol. 5), emphasizes the importance of self-control and mastery over the mind in achieving true fulfillment. The calling back of the Pāṇḍavas can be interpreted as a symbol of the individual's ability to withdraw from external distractions and focus on their inner growth. S. Rādhākrishnan, in his book 'The Bhagavad Gītā' (Chapter 2), explains that the key to achieving this state of inner peace is the cultivation of detachment (vairāgya) and self-awareness. This verse, in the context of modern life, encourages individuals to prioritize their inner development and strive for a deeper understanding of themselves and their place in the world, leading to a more harmonious and balanced existence.