tathā daśaratho rājā putra-śoka-samanvitaḥ
“Thus King Daśaratha was overcome with grief for his son.”
Structure
tathā daśaratho rājā putra śoka samanvitaḥ
daśaratho rājā tathā putra śoka samanvitaḥ
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tathā | tathā | indeclinable | — | thus, in that manner |
| daśaratho | daśaratho | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Daśaratha (the king) |
| rājā | rājā | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | king |
| putra | putra | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | son |
| śoka | śoka | noun | instrumental · singular · masculine | grief, sorrow |
| samanvitaḥ | samanvitaḥ | verb | √sam-anv-i · past participle · third | overwhelmed or afflicted with |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, tathā daśaratho rājā putra-śoka-samanvitaḥ, highlights the sorrow of King Daśaratha as a result of his son's departure. From a non-dual perspective, Śaṅkarācārya might interpret this as an illustration of the ephemeral nature of worldly attachments. The suffering of Daśaratha, overcome by grief for his son, exemplifies the pain that arises from identifying with the fleeting and the impermanent. In his commentary on the Brahma Sutras (BS 1.1.5), Shankara discusses the concept of 'ananda' or bliss, emphasizing that true bliss can only be achieved by realizing one's true nature as Brahman, untainted by the sorrows of the world. Thus, Daśaratha's grief serves as a reminder of the necessity to seek the eternal and unchanging brahman-ātman, transcending worldly sorrows.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition interprets this verse with a focus on the devotional aspect, particularly the bond between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his Śrī Bhāṣya commentary on the Brahma Sutras, discusses the concept of bhakti (devotion) as a means to realize the loving relationship between the jīva and Īśvara. Daśaratha's profound sorrow can be seen as a manifestation of the intense love and attachment a devotee has for the divine. This emotional response, while rooted in worldly attachment, can be purified and redirected as bhakti towards the Supreme. Madhvācārya, emphasizing the distinctness of the jīva and Īśvara, might view Daśaratha's grief as a demonstration of the natural affection that exists between a jīva and its objects of love, which, through devotion, can be transcended and transformed into love for the ultimate reality.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the ideal of universal brotherhood, often emphasized the universal applicability of ancient Indian wisdom. The sorrow of King Daśaratha, as described in this verse, can be seen as a universal human emotion that transcends cultural and historical boundaries. Vivekānanda might interpret Daśaratha's grief as an opportunity for spiritual growth and self-reflection, highlighting the importance of recognizing and transcending personal sorrows to achieve a broader, more compassionate understanding of the world. S. Radhakrishnan, focusing on the practical applications of Vedāntic philosophy, could relate this verse to the modern struggle with emotional pain and loss. He might encourage individuals to find solace in the recognition of their shared human experience, fostering empathy and understanding. This reading aligns with Radhakrishnan's emphasis on the role of philosophy in everyday life and the pursuit of a fulfilling, meaningful existence.