tatastu dṛṣṭvā mahatāṃ sa gurum । ṛṣīṃ jānakīśvarīm ।
“Then having seen Janaki and her preceptor, the great sage.”
Structure
tatastu dṛṣṭvā mahatām sa gurum ṛṣīm jānakīśvarīm
saḥ (he) tatastu (then) dṛṣṭvā (having seen) mahatām (of the great ones) gurum (the teacher) ṛṣīm (the sage) jānakīśvarīm (Jānakī's lord)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tatastu | tatastu | indeclinable | — | then, thereafter |
| dṛṣṭvā | dṛṣṭvā | indeclinable | — | having seen, having looked |
| mahatām | mahatām | noun | genitive · plural · masculine | of the great ones |
| sa | sa | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | he |
| gurum | gurum | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | guru, teacher |
| ṛṣīm | ṛṣīm | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | sage |
| jānakīśvarīm | jānakīśvarīm | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | lord of Janakī |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, Śaṅkara emphasizes the non-dual nature of reality. When applying this perspective to the given verse from the Rāmāyaṇa, 'tatastu dṛṣṭvā mahatāṃ sa gurum ṛṣīṃ jānakīśvarīm', we see an illustration of the ultimate truth that underlies all existence. The interaction between Janaki, her preceptor, and the great sage, symbolizes the unity and interconnectedness of all beings, pointing towards the brahman-ātman identity. Śaṅkara's reasoning, as seen in his commentary on the Taittiriya Upanishad, suggests that such verses guide the seeker to look beyond the apparent duality of the world and to realize the non-dual essence, or Brahman, that pervades all. This verse, in the context of Advaita Vedānta, serves as a reminder of the ultimate goal of realizing one's true nature as indivisible from the universe, thus underscoring the principle of non-duality.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition, with its emphasis on devotion and the personal relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord), views this verse as an exemplary moment of devotion and reverence. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, highlights the importance of surrender and devotion to the Lord. In the context of this verse, Janaki's interaction with her preceptor and the great sage can be seen as a demonstration of her devotion and respect for those who guide her on the path to realizing her true relationship with the Divine. Madhvācārya, with his emphasis on the difference between the soul and God, would likely interpret this verse as illustrating the dependence of the jīva on Īśvara for spiritual guidance and enlightenment, thus reinforcing the devotional path as the means to attain proximity to the Lord.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the practical application of Vedāntic principles in everyday life. He would likely view this verse as an illustration of the importance of seeking guidance from those who have realized the truth, as embodied by the great sage and Janaki's preceptor. This verse, according to Vivekānanda, would symbolize the universal quest for knowledge and the eternal search for the divine within. S. Radhakrishnan, in his philosophical works, underscores the importance of realizing the universal principles that govern human existence, suggesting that such realizations lead to a life of greater meaning and purpose. In the context of contemporary life, this verse can be seen as a reminder of the value of mentorship, the pursuit of knowledge, and the universal aspiration for spiritual growth, thereby connecting ancient wisdom with modern life's challenges and opportunities.