tataste vānarāḥ sarve hari-nandana-vacaḥ śrutvā
“Then, having heard the words of Hanuman's son, all those monkeys”
Structure
tatas = te vānarāḥ sarve = hari - nandana - vacaḥ = śrutvā
tatas (then) te (those) vānarāḥ (monkeys) sarve (all) = hari-nandana (son of Hari) vacaḥ (words) = śrutvā (having heard)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tatas | tatas | indeclinable | — | then, from there |
| te | te | pronoun | nominative · plural · masculine | they |
| vānarāḥ | vānarāḥ | noun | nominative · plural · masculine | monkeys |
| sarve | sarve | noun | nominative · plural · masculine | all |
| hari | hari | compound | tatpuruṣa · "hariḥ" | having greenish-yellow color (referring to Viṣṇu) |
| nandana | nandana | compound | tatpuruṣa · "nandanaḥ" | son (of Hari) |
| vacaḥ | vacaḥ | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | word, speech |
| śrutvā | śrutvā | indeclinable | — | having heard |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, Shankara often emphasizes the non-dual nature of reality. While he doesn't directly comment on this verse from the Rāmāyaṇa, his exposition on similar passages highlights the identity of brahman and ātman. The phrase 'tataste vānarāḥ sarve' can be seen as illustrating how all beings, like the monkeys, are ultimately one with the universe, having heard the word of wisdom, symbolizing the awakening to this ultimate reality. Shankara's reasoning, as seen in his commentary on the Taittiriya Upanishad, emphasizes the indivisible nature of the self. This verse, in the context of the entire epic, points towards the realization of this oneness, where individual distinctions dissolve, illustrating the brahman-ātman identity.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition, particularly through the lenses of Ramanuja and Madhva, would interpret this verse with a focus on the devotional relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Lord). The 'hari-nandana-vacaḥ' (words of Hanuman's son) signify the divine grace that awakens the jīvas to their true nature and their relationship with the Lord. Ramanuja, in his Sri Bhashya, discusses the importance of divine grace in liberation, which can be mirrored in this context where the monkeys, representing the jīvas, respond to the divine word. Madhva, Known for his dualistic philosophy, would likely emphasize the distinction between the Lord and His devotees, yet the loving service and obedience, as exemplified by the monkeys' response, are central to the Vaiṣṇava path.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekananda, in his lectures and writings, often highlighted the universal principles underlying Vedantic teachings, applicable to everyday life. This verse can be seen as a call to awakening, where 'śrutvā' (having heard) symbolizes the moment of truth that changes one's perspective. Vivekananda, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, emphasizes the importance of self-realization and service. Similarly, this verse inspires a sense of collective action and unity among the monkeys upon hearing the wise words, mirroring the modern quest for community and shared purpose. Radhakrishnan, focusing on the philosophical aspects, might interpret the monkeys' response as an illustration of how collective consciousness can be elevated through the influence of wisdom, leading towards a more harmonious and cooperative society.