atha rājā jagāma cittaṁ janayāmāsa harṣam.
“Then the king's mind was delighted and he was glad.”
Structure
atha rājā jagāma cittaṁ janayāmāsa harṣam
rājā (king) atha (then) jagāma (went) cittaṁ (to his mind/intention) harṣam (joy) janayāmāsa (produced/generated)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| atha | atha | indeclinable | — | then, now |
| rājā | rājā | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | king |
| jagāma | jagāma | verb | √gam · past · third | he went |
| cittaṁ | cittaṁ | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | mind |
| janayāmāsa | janayāmāsa | verb | √jan · past · third | he generated, produced |
| harṣam | harṣam | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | joy |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, 'atha rājā jagāma cittaṁ janayāmāsa harṣam,' signifies the king's mental state of delight and gladness. According to Shankara, such emotional states are ephemeral and belong to the realm of the mind, which is an adjunct of the Self (Ātman). The ultimate reality, Brahman, remains unaffected by these transient feelings. This verse points to the distinction between the ever-changing mind and the unchanging Brahman-Ātman. Shankara's commentary on the Taittiriya Upanishad (2.1.1) explains that the true nature of the Self is uncovered when one transcends the limitations of the mind and its emotions. Thus, the king's joy, although fleeting, serves as a reminder to seek the lasting bliss of Brahman-Ātman identity. By recognizing the distinction between the mental state and the true Self, one can attain liberation from the cycle of suffering and rebirth.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya): This verse highlights the devotional aspect of the king's emotional state. Rāmānujācārya would emphasize that the king's joy stems from his devotion to the divine, which is the ultimate source of happiness. The relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Lord) is one of loving dependence. The king's delight is a reflection of his dependence on the divine will, and his gladness is a natural response to the experience of divine grace. Rāmānujācārya's commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā (12.14) explains that the devotee's love for the Lord is the primary means of attaining spiritual growth and liberation. The king's emotional state in this verse serves as an illustration of the Vaiṣṇava ideal of cultivating devotion to the divine, which is essential for achieving spiritual fulfillment and union with the Lord.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda): Swami Vivekānanda would interpret this verse as an example of the universal human aspiration for happiness and fulfillment. The king's delight and gladness are not unique to him, but rather reflect a fundamental human desire for joy and contentment. Vivekānanda's lectures on the 'Science of Yoga' emphasize the importance of cultivating a positive and joyful mental state as a means of achieving overall well-being. The king's emotional state in this verse serves as a reminder that true happiness is not solely dependent on external circumstances, but rather on the cultivation of inner peace and contentment. By recognizing the universal human desire for happiness, we can work towards creating a more compassionate and harmonious society, where individuals can attain fulfillment and joy regardless of their external circumstances. This verse highlights the practical application of Vedāntic principles in everyday life, emphasizing the importance of cultivating a positive and joyful mental state.