tataḥ sugrīvaḥ śatṛ-dveṣāt pravṛtto vānarān etadā
“Then Sugīva, out of animosity towards the enemy, addressed the monkeys.”
Structure
tataḥ sugrīvaḥ śatṛ-dveṣāt pravṛtto vānarān etadā
tataḥ (then) sugrīvaḥ (Sugriva) śatṛ-dveṣāt (from enemy hatred) pravṛtto (impelled) etadā (at that time) vānarān (the monkeys)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tataḥ | tataḥ | indeclinable | — | then, thereafter |
| sugrīvaḥ | sugrīvaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Sugrīva |
| śatṛ-dveṣāt | śatṛ-dveṣāt | compound | bahuvrīhi · "śatṛ-dveṣaḥ" | from hatred of enemies |
| pravṛtto | pravṛtto | verb | √vṛt · past participle · third | engaged, set out |
| vānarān | vānarān | noun | accusative · plural · masculine | the monkeys |
| etadā | etadā | indeclinable | — | at that time, then |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, tataḥ sugrīvaḥ śatṛ-dveṣāt pravṛtto vānarān etadā, when considered through the lens of Advaita Vedānta, reveals the nature of the self and its entanglement in worldly affairs. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Brahma Sūtras, discusses the concept of 'avidyā' or ignorance that leads to the perception of duality. In this context, Sugrīva's animosity towards his enemy symbolizes the veil of ignorance that obscures the true nature of the self. The non-dual reading of this verse thus points to the necessity of transcending such worldly attachments to realize the ultimate truth of brahman-ātman identity. By recognizing Sugrīva's actions as driven by ego and duality, one can begin to understand the illusory nature of the world and strive for Self-realization. This verse, therefore, serves as a reminder of the importance of self-inquiry and the cultivation of wisdom to overcome the limitations of the ego and realize one's true nature as pure consciousness.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava interpretation of this verse focuses on the relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Sugrīva's address to the monkeys, driven by his animosity towards the enemy, exemplifies the bondage of the jīva to its own ego and desires. According to Rāmānujācārya, the jīva's true nature is one of servitude to Īśvara, and liberation is achieved through devotion and surrender. In this context, Sugrīva's actions can be seen as a call to the monkeys to join him in his righteous cause, symbolizing the collective effort of devotees towards a common spiritual goal. Madhvācārya would likely view Sugrīva's motivations as a mix of both good and bad intentions, highlighting the complexity of human nature and the need for divine guidance. This verse thus underscores the importance of seeking refuge in the Lord and cultivating devotion to overcome the limitations of the ego and achieve spiritual liberation.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): From a modern perspective, this verse offers insights into the dynamics of human motivation and the importance of self-awareness. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Bhakti Yoga, emphasized the role of emotions and motivations in shaping human actions. Sugrīva's animosity towards his enemy can be seen as a symbol of the destructive power of unchecked emotions, which can lead individuals to engage in harmful behavior. In contrast, Rādhākrishnan's philosophical writings highlight the importance of cultivating a sense of universal brotherhood and compassion. This verse can thus be interpreted as a call to recognize the interconnectedness of all beings and to strive for a more harmonious and cooperative approach to conflict resolution. By applying the principles of Vedānta to contemporary life, individuals can learn to manage their emotions, cultivate empathy, and work towards creating a more peaceful and equitable society. This verse serves as a reminder of the enduring relevance of ancient wisdom to modern challenges and the need for ongoing self-reflection and personal growth.