atha rājā tato jagāma yatra kṛtaghnena dharma hāniḥ
“Then the king went to that place where there was a loss of dharma due to the ingrate.”
Structure
atha rājā tato jagāma yatra kṛtaghnena dharmaḥ hāniḥ
atha (then) rājā (the king) tato (thence) jagāma (went) yatra (where) kṛtaghnena (by the ingrate) dharmaḥ (righteousness) hāniḥ (was lost)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| atha | atha | indeclinable | — | then, therefore |
| rājā | rājā | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | king |
| tato | tato | indeclinable | — | thence, from that place |
| jagāma | jagāma | verb | √gam · past · third | he went |
| yatra | yatra | indeclinable | — | where |
| kṛtaghnena | kṛtaghnena | compound | bahuvrīhi · "kṛtaghnaḥ + ena" | by him who is ungrateful |
| dharmaḥ | dharmaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | righteousness |
| hāniḥ | hāniḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | loss, harm |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): The verse 'atha rājā tato jagāma yatra kṛtaghnena dharma hāniḥ' underscores the theme of dharma being compromised due to ingratitude. In his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, Shankara discusses the concept of 'dharma' as an essential aspect of the universe, which is upheld by the realization of the non-dual nature of Brahman. This verse highlights the consequences of forgetting one's true nature (Brahman-ātman identity), leading to adharma. Shankara's reasoning on similar passages emphasizes the pursuit of Self-knowledge to overcome such ignorance and restore dharma, underscoring the non-dual understanding that true dharma arises from recognizing the unity of all existence.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): This verse illuminates the critical concept of gratitude in the context of devotion. Rāmānujācārya, in his Bhagavad Gita commentary, discusses the importance of acknowledging the grace of Īśvara (the Lord). The 'kṛtaghna' (ingrate) represents the jīva (individual soul) that fails to recognize its dependence on Īśvara, leading to 'dharma hāniḥ' (loss of dharma). This reflects the Vaiṣṇava emphasis on the reciprocal relationship between the jīva and Īśvara, where devotion and gratitude are essential for maintaining dharma and achieving liberation. Madhvācārya's Dvaita Vedanta also underscores the distinction between the Lord and the soul, emphasizing that gratitude towards Īśvara is fundamental for spiritual progress.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): The universal message of this verse is the importance of acknowledging and appreciating the higher principles and values that guide human life, here referred to as 'dharma'. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures, often emphasized the practical application of Vedantic principles in everyday life, including the cultivation of gratitude and service to others. This verse can be seen as a call to recognize the intrinsic value of ethical living (dharma) and the detrimental effects of ingratitude and selfishness. Rādhākrishnan, drawing on both traditional and modern thought, would likely interpret this verse as underscoring the need for personal and societal transformation through a rediscovery of fundamental human values, emphasizing the unity and interconnectedness of all existence.