tena dṛṣṭā hanumatā saha vānaraiḥ.
“Then she was seen by Hanumān along with the monkeys.”
Structure
tena dṛṣṭā hanumatā saha vānaraiḥ
hanumatā tena saha vānaraiḥ dṛṣṭā
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tena | tena | pronoun | instrumental · singular · masculine | by him |
| dṛṣṭā | dṛṣṭā | verb | √dṛś · past participle · third | seen |
| hanumatā | hanumatā | noun | instrumental · singular · masculine | by Hanuman |
| saha | saha | indeclinable | — | with |
| vānaraiḥ | vānaraiḥ | noun | instrumental · plural · masculine | with monkeys |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Rāmāyaṇa, 'tena dṛṣṭā hanumatā saha vānaraiḥ,' illustrates the non-dual nature of reality when considered in the context of Advaita Vedānta. Śaṅkarācārya's commentary on the Brahma Sūtras and the Bhagavad Gītā emphasizes the ultimate reality of Brahman and the illusory nature of the world (māyā). In this light, Hanumān's observation of Sītā can be seen as a metaphor for theSelf (ātman) recognizing its true nature beyond the limitations of the physical world. Śaṅkarācārya's reasoning in his commentary on Brahmasūtra 1.1.1, where he discusses the identity of Brahman and ātman, is particularly relevant. This verse, when understood through the lens of non-duality, points to the ultimate identity of the individual self (jīva) with the universal Self (Brahman), highlighting the illusion of separation and duality.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition interprets this verse with a focus on the devotional relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the personal God). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Brahmasūtra, discusses the concept of 'prapatti' or surrender to God, which is exemplified in Hanumān's unwavering dedication to Rāma. This verse illustrates the jīva's path to liberation through devotion (bhakti) and the grace of Īśvara. Madhvācārya's Dvaita Vedānta also emphasizes the personal relationship between God and the soul, seeing Hanumān's actions as a manifestation of divine grace and the soul's striving for union with God. The verse highlights the role of the guru or divine messenger (in this case, Hanumān) in guiding the jīva towards Īśvara, underlining the importance of devotion and self-surrender in achieving spiritual liberation.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda and S. Radhakrishnan, key figures in Neo-Vedānta, would interpret this verse as symbolizing the universal quest for the realization of one's true nature. Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Upanishads, often emphasized the practical application of Vedāntic principles in everyday life. This verse can be seen as a call to self-reflection and the pursuit of inner strength, as exemplified by Hanumān's courage and devotion. Radhakrishnan, in his philosophical works, highlighted the importance of integrating spiritual values into modern life. The image of Hanumān and the monkeys searching for Sītā can be viewed as a metaphor for the individual's journey towards self-discovery and the realization of their true potential, emphasizing the relevance of ancient wisdom to contemporary life and the universal human experience.