tasya tvashṭā ca vidhātā caturaḥ pañcajanānāṃ manahprasādanaḥ ॥ 272 ॥
“The skilled and kindly fashioner and creator of the five kinds of beings wins over their hearts.”
Structure
tasya tvashṭā ca vidhātā caturaḥ pañcajanānāṃ manahprasādanaḥ
tasya (of Him) tvashṭā (the Architect) ca (and) vidhātā (the Planner) caturaḥ (the skilful one) pañcajanānāṃ (of the five groups of beings) manahprasādanaḥ (the delighter of minds)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tasya | tasya | pronoun | genitive · singular · masculine | of him |
| tvashṭā | tvashṭā | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | the architect of the universe |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| vidhātā | vidhātā | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | the creator |
| caturaḥ | caturaḥ | adjective | — | four |
| pañcajanānāṃ | pañcajanānāṃ | compound | genitive plural tatpuruṣa · "pañcajanānāṃ" | of the five kinds of beings |
| manahprasādanaḥ | manahprasādanaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | delight of the mind |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Rāmāyaṇa underscores the concept of a singular, all-encompassing reality. Shankara, in his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, emphasizes the non-dual nature of ultimate reality, which is akin to the 'fashioner and creator' mentioned in this verse. The phrase 'manahprasādanaḥ' or 'wins over their hearts' suggests the ultimate goal of realizing one's true nature, which is identical with Brahman. This is in line with Shankara's exposition of the identity of Brahman and Ātman, where the individual self (jiva) is ultimately not separate from the universal self (Brahman). The skilled and kindly fashioner, in this context, symbolizes the guiding principle towards this realization, pointing towards a path of self-inquiry and contemplation that leads to the understanding of the non-dual truth.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse can be seen as highlighting the loving relationship between the Lord (Īśvara) and the souls (jīva). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, emphasizes the concept of 'prakṛti' (nature) being the material cause of the universe, while the Lord is the efficient cause. The 'fashioner and creator' in this verse can be interpreted as the Lord's role in creation, with 'manahprasādanaḥ' indicating His grace that attracts the hearts of all beings. This aligns with Rāmānujācārya's view of the Lord's loving care for all souls, facilitating their path towards liberation through devotion (bhakti). The emphasis is on the personal relationship between the individual and the Divine, with the creator's skill and kindness embodying the compassionate aspect of Īśvara.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda often spoke about the universal principles underlying all religions, including the concept of a universal creator and the importance of service to humanity. This verse, with its mention of a 'skilled and kindly fashioner and creator,' can be seen as symbolizing the higher power or ultimate reality that guides human existence. The phrase 'wins over their hearts' suggests the universal appeal of compassion and kindness, which Vivekānanda emphasized as essential for personal and societal transformation. In his lectures, he frequently cited the need for individuals to recognize their divine nature and to serve others as a means of realizing this divinity. Similarly, S. Radhakrishnan, in his philosophical works, discusses the concept of the Absolute and its relation to human existence, emphasizing the importance of realizing one's true nature and living a life of service and compassion, thereby reflecting the 'manahprasādanaḥ' or winning over hearts through kindness and wisdom.