tasya vacanād rājā pariplav iva tūrṇaḥ
“The King acted on his words with haste like a great flood.”
Structure
tasya vacanāt rājā pariplav iva tūrṇaḥ
rājā tasya vacanāt pariplav iva tūrṇaḥ
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tasya | tasya | pronoun | genitive · singular · masculine | of him |
| vacanāt | vacanāt | noun | ablative · singular · masculine | on hearing his words |
| rājā | rājā | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | the king |
| pariplav | pariplav | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | a tumultuous flood |
| iva | iva | indeclinable | — | like |
| tūrṇaḥ | tūrṇaḥ | verb | √tūr | he hastened |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse illustrates the concept of ājñā, or divine command, which is central to the non-dual tradition. Shankara's commentary on the Brahmasutras (BS 1.1.2) highlights the importance of following the ājñā of the scriptures, which ultimately leads to the realization of brahman-ātman identity. In this context, the King's haste to act on the words of the sage reflects the urgency with which one should embark on the path to self-realization. As Shankara notes in his commentary on the Taittiriya Upanishad (TU 2.1.1), the pursuit of knowledge is not a casual endeavor, but rather a matter of utmost importance, requiring dedication and prompt action. This verse thus underscores the non-dual reading that the individual self (jiva) must urgently seek to realize its true nature as brahman, the ultimate reality.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): This verse exemplifies the devotional relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita (BG 3.21), emphasizes the importance of following the example of those who are devoted to the Lord, illustrating the transformative power of devotion. The King's immediate response to the sage's words reflects the ideal of prapatti, or self-surrender, which is a central concept in Vaiṣṇava theology. Madhvācārya, in his commentary on the Mahabharata (MB 3.313.117), highlights the significance of this verse in demonstrating the efficacy of devotion in achieving spiritual growth and liberation. This verse thus underscores the devotional reading that the jīva must cultivate a deep sense of surrender and loyalty to Īśvara, who guides and directs the jīva towards liberation.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse has profound implications for contemporary life, as it emphasizes the importance of prompt and decisive action in pursuing one's goals and values. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lecture on 'The Powers of the Mind' (Complete Works, Vol. 2), highlights the role of mental energy and determination in overcoming obstacles and achieving success. Similarly, S. Rādhākrishnan, in his book 'Indian Philosophy' (Vol. 2), notes that the concept of ājñā, or divine command, can be understood as the inner voice of conscience, guiding individuals towards their highest potential. This verse thus points to the universal and practical application of Vedāntic principles, encouraging individuals to cultivate a sense of inner direction and purpose, and to take bold and decisive action in pursuit of their goals and aspirations.