tasya vacanād rājā pravṛtto manasā hṛtā
“The king, influenced by his words, was internally captivated.”
Structure
tasya vacanāt rājā pravṛtto manasā hṛtā
rājā tasya vacanāt manasā pravṛtto hṛtā
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tasya | tasya | pronoun | genitive · singular · masculine | of him |
| vacanāt | vacanāt | noun | ablative · singular · masculine | by his word |
| rājā | rājā | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | the king |
| pravṛtto | pravṛtto | verb | √vṛt · past participle · third | having set out |
| manasā | manasā | noun | instrumental · singular · neuter | by his mind |
| hṛtā | hṛtā | verb | √hṛ · past participle · third | having been stolen/taken away |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In the context of this verse, tasya vacanād rājā pravṛtto manasā hṛtā, Shankara's non-dual reading suggests that the king's internal captivation is a reflection of the ultimate reality, Brahman. Shankara's commentary on the Brahma Sutras (1.1.1) emphasizes that the individual self (ātman) is not different from the universal self (Brahman). In this verse, the king's influence by the words of another indicates the interconnectedness of all things, pointing to the notion that the distinctions between individual selves are illusionary. The internal captivation of the king symbolizes the quieting of the mind, which, according to Shankara, is necessary for realizing the identity of Brahman and ātman. This realization is key to achieving liberation. Thus, this verse can be seen as hinting at the Brahman-ātman identity, where the individual's true nature is unveiled through the stilling of the mind, influenced by the words of wisdom.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition interprets this verse with a focus on the devotional relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Lord). According to Rāmānujācārya, the king's being 'influenced by his words' and 'internally captivated' signifies the transformative power of divine grace. In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, Rāmānujācārya emphasizes the role of bhakti (devotion) in realizing one's true nature and the nature of the Lord. This verse illustrates how the king, through his devotion and obedience to the words of wisdom, becomes internally transformed, suggesting a deepening of his relationship with the divine. This reading underscores the Vaiṣṇava concept of prapatti, or self-surrender to the Lord, as a means to achieve spiritual liberation and union with Īśvara.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lecture on 'The Powers of the Mind', discusses the potential of the human mind to be influenced and transformed. He emphasizes that true strength lies not in resistance but in the ability to be open to higher influences. In the context of this verse, the king's internal captivation by the words of another reflects Vivekānanda's idea that the mind can be purified and elevated through the influence of noble thoughts and ideals. This concept resonates with the universal and practical application of Vedāntic principles in contemporary life, where the pursuit of inner peace and strength is paramount. Rādhākrishnan, in his writings on the Upaniṣads, also highlights the importance of the mind's ability to be receptive to wisdom, leading to a deeper understanding of oneself and the world, thereby facilitating personal growth and spiritual evolution.