tatastu dṛṣṭvā janānīṁ manuṣyarūpeṇa vānarān
“Then seeing his mother in a human form (among) the monkeys.”
Structure
tatastu dṛṣṭvā janānīṁ manuṣya-rūpeṇa vānarān
tatastu (then) dṛṣṭvā (having seen) janānīṁ (mother) manuṣya-rūpeṇa (in the form of a human) vānarān (the monkeys)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tatastu | tatastu | indeclinable | — | then, thereafter |
| dṛṣṭvā | dṛṣṭvā | indeclinable | — | having seen, having looked at |
| janānīṁ | janānīṁ | noun | accusative · singular · feminine | mother |
| manuṣya-rūpeṇa | manuṣya-rūpeṇa | compound | karmadhāraya · "manuṣya-rūpa eṇa" | in the form of a human |
| vānarān | vānarān | noun | accusative · plural · masculine | monkeys |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse illustrates the non-dual nature of reality, where the distinctions between human and monkey, or any other forms, are transcended. Shankara's commentary on the Brahma Sutras (BS 1.1.5) emphasizes that the ultimate reality, Brahman, is beyond all differentiation. In the context of this verse from the Rāmāyaṇa, seeing one's mother in a human form among the monkeys suggests that the essential nature (ātman) of all beings is the same, unencumbered by external forms. This theme is echoed in Shankara's Upadesasahasri (1.14.15), where he notes that the wise see Brahman everywhere, untouched by the distinctions of the material world. Thus, this verse can be seen as pointing to the brahman-ātman identity, where the individual self (ātman) is ultimately one with the universal reality (Brahman).
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition interprets this verse through the lens of devotional theology, emphasizing the loving relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). According to Rāmānujācārya's Śrī Bhāṣya (on BS 1.1.1), the ultimate goal is to realize one's intrinsic dependence on and love for God. This verse, where a mother is seen in a human form among monkeys, highlights the omnipresence of the divine. Madhvācārya, in his Anuvyākhyāna, further emphasizes that such perceptions are possible due to the grace of the Supreme Being, enabling the devotee to transcend ordinary vision and see the divine in all beings. This devotional understanding encourages a deeper, loving connection with God, reflecting the core of Vaiṣṇava philosophy.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda and S. Rādhākrishnan interpret this verse in the light of universal and practical applications. Vivekānanda, in his 'Lectures from Colombo to Almora', emphasizes the importance of perceiving the divine in every being. This perception, as hinted at in the verse, is not merely a metaphysical truth but a call to action—to treat all beings with the respect and love one would offer to their mother. Rādhākrishnan, in 'The Hindu View of Life', notes that such a perception is crucial for fostering a sense of global citizenship and harmony. By seeing the divine in all, including those in forms different from our own, we overcome barriers and cultivate a universal love and compassion. This interpretation aligns with the contemporary emphasis on empathy, tolerance, and unity, making this ancient verse remarkably relevant to modern life.