tato hṛṣṭaḥ prahlāditaḥ sutṛpta ātmānam
“Then, being highly delighted and fully satisfied, he praised himself”
Structure
tato hṛṣṭaḥ prahlāditaḥ sutṛptaḥ ātmānam
tato (then) hṛṣṭaḥ (delighted) prahlāditaḥ (rejoiced) sutṛptaḥ (completely satisfied) ātmānam (Self)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tato | tato | indeclinable | — | then, thereafter |
| hṛṣṭaḥ | hṛṣṭaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | glad, rejoiced |
| prahlāditaḥ | prahlāditaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | rejoiced, delighted |
| sutṛptaḥ | sutṛptaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | completely satisfied |
| ātmānam | ātmānam | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | himself |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In this verse, the phrase 'ātmānam' is crucial as it signifies the ultimate reality of the self. According to Śaṅkarācārya, the self-referential praise implies a state of inner satisfaction and joy that transcends external sources. This aligns with the concept of 'ānanda' or bliss, an inherent attribute of Brahman. The use of 'hṛṣṭaḥ' and 'sutṛptaḥ' suggests a state of fullness and contentment that can only be achieved by realizing one's true nature as Brahman. Thus, this verse points to the brahman-ātman identity, where the individual self (ātman) realizes its non-dual essence with the ultimate reality (Brahman), echoing Śaṅkarācārya's commentary on the Taittirīya Upaniṣad, 'Satyam, Jñānam, Anantam Brahman.'
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): This verse, particularly the word 'prahlāditaḥ,' indicates a state of ecstasy or joy experienced by the devotee in the presence of the divine. For Rāmānujācārya, such expressions of joy reflect the inherent dependency of the jīva (individual soul) on Īśvara (the Lord), emphasizing the personal relationship between the devotee and God. This joy is not self-generated but is a response to the grace of Īśvara, highlighting the Vaiṣṇava concept of 'prīti' or love. Madhvācārya further underscores the real distinction between the jīva and Īśvara, arguing that the joy experienced is due to the interaction with a personal God, thus affirming the dualistic (Dvaita) perspective of the relationship between God and the devotee.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda often spoke about the importance of self-realization and the experience of inner joy and peace. This verse can be seen as a reflection of achieving that state where one is 'hṛṣṭaḥ' and 'sutṛptaḥ,' signifying a complete and fulfilling life. According to Vivekānanda, such a state is not merely a personal achievement but contributes to the broader well-being of society. In his lectures, he emphasized the need to look within for true satisfaction, citing the Upaniṣads and Bhagavad Gītā. Similarly, S. Rādhākrishnan, in interpreting this verse, might highlight the universal applicability of seeking inner fulfillment, suggesting that the pursuit of happiness and self-praise as mentioned here can be a journey of self-discovery, applicable to all humans regardless of their religious affiliations, aiming at harmony and peace.