na tu tena mahārājan sumantuḥ tvayi niṣṭhitaḥ
“But, your counsellor Sumantu was not firmly established in loyalty to you, great king.”
Structure
na tu tena mahārājan sumantuḥ tvayi niṣṭhitaḥ
mahārājan (great king) tena (by him) tu (but) na (not) sumantuḥ (the minister) tvayi (on you) niṣṭhitaḥ (fixed)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| tu | tu | indeclinable | — | indeed, however |
| tena | tena | pronoun | instrumental · singular · masculine | by him |
| mahārājan | mahārājan | noun | vocative · singular · masculine | great king |
| sumantuḥ | sumantuḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Sumantu |
| tvayi | tvayi | pronoun | locative · singular · masculine | in you |
| niṣṭhitaḥ | niṣṭhitaḥ | verb | √niṣṭhā · past · third | has taken his position |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, 'na tu tena mahārājan sumantuḥ tvayi niṣṭhitaḥ', highlights the impermanence of worldly relationships and the fleeting nature of human loyalty. Śaṅkarācārya's commentary on the Brahma Sutras and the Bhagavad Gita often emphasizes the distinction between the ephemeral and the eternal, the latter being the ultimate reality of Brahman. In the context of this verse, the lack of steadfast loyalty in Sumantu towards the king serves as a metaphor for the unreliable nature of the worldly realm. This reading invites the seeker to look beyond the transient and instead seek the eternal and unchanging Brahman-ātman identity. The non-dualistic interpretation underscores that true stability and loyalty can only be found in the realization of one's true Self, which is none other than Brahman. Śaṅkarācārya's reasoning on related passages in the Upanishads also points to this ultimate reality, where the individual self (ātman) is not separate from the universal Self (Brahman). Thus, this verse serves as a pointer to the higher truth beyond mundane relationships and loyalties.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition offers a devotional reading of this verse, focusing on the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, often discusses the importance of prapatti, or surrender, to the Lord. This verse can be seen as an illustration of the failure to realize such surrender, as Sumantu's lack of loyalty to the king symbolizes the jīva's imperfect devotion to Īśvara. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, might view this verse through the lens of the distinction between the Lord and the jīva, emphasizing that true loyalty and dedication can only be directed towards the Supreme, who is the ultimate source of refuge and protection. Both Rāmānujācārya and Madhvācārya would likely interpret this verse as a call to deepen one's devotion and loyalty to the Divine, recognizing the fleeting nature of worldly attachments and the eternal nature of one's relationship with God.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda and S. Radhakrishnan, key figures in Neo-Vedānta, would likely interpret this verse in the context of its universal and practical application. Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the importance of self-realization and the cultivation of inner strength. This verse could be seen as highlighting the need for individuals to look beyond external sources of validation and loyalty, such as the approval of a king, and instead find their strength and sense of purpose within. Radhakrishnan, in his philosophical works, discussed the relevance of Vedāntic principles to contemporary life, including the importance of recognizing the universal values that transcend specific religious or cultural contexts. In this light, the verse 'na tu tena mahārājan sumantuḥ tvayi niṣṭhitaḥ' serves as a reminder of the impermanence of external relationships and the necessity of cultivating an inner sense of loyalty and dedication to one's own highest ideals and values. This reading aligns with their broader emphasis on the practical application of Vedāntic principles to achieve personal and social transformation.