tayoḥ tv avagataḥ tathyā vānarair abhipālitaḥ
“Having understood the truth, he was being protected by the monkeys.”
Structure
tayoḥ tu avagataḥ tathyā vānarair abhipālitaḥ
tayoḥ (of them) tu (and) avagataḥ (having approached) tathyā (truthfully) vānarair (by the monkeys) abhipālitaḥ (being protected)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tayoḥ | tayoḥ | pronoun | genitive · dual · masculine/neuter | of them two |
| tu | tu | indeclinable | — | indeed, surely |
| avagataḥ | avagataḥ | verb | √gam · past participle · third | having reached, having gone to |
| tathyā | tathyā | noun | nominative · singular · feminine | truth, reality |
| vānarair | vānarair | noun | instrumental · plural · masculine | by monkeys |
| abhipālitaḥ | abhipālitaḥ | verb | √pāl · past participle · third | protected, guarded |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, 'tayoḥ tv avagataḥ tathyā vānarair abhipālitaḥ', signifies the non-dual nature of reality. Śaṅkarācārya's commentary on the Brahma Sūtras emphasizes the identity of Brahman and Ātman. In this context, the protection by the monkeys can be seen as a symbol of the guidance of the inner self (Ātman) by the ultimate reality (Brahman). The understanding of truth (tathyā) here points to the realization of this identity. As Shankara notes in his commentary on the Taittiriya Upanishad, the realization of this identity leads to liberation. This verse, in essence, underscores the importance of understanding the non-dual nature of reality for spiritual liberation, aligning with Shankara's reasoning on the unity of consciousness.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The verse highlights the relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his Śrī Bhāṣya, emphasizes the importance of prapatti, or total surrender to God. The protection by the monkeys symbolizes the divine grace that ensues when one surrenders to Īśvara. The understanding of truth (tathyā) here refers to the recognition of one's dependence on God. Madhvācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, also underscores the role of divine grace in salvation. This verse, from a Vaiṣṇava perspective, underscores the devotional path, where the jīva seeks protection and guidance from Īśvara, reflecting the loving and dependent relationship between the individual and the Divine.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda often emphasized the practical application of Vedantic principles in everyday life. This verse can be seen as a call to seek inner guidance and protection. Vivekānanda, in his lectures on 'The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda', stresses the importance of self-reliance and the development of the inner self. The 'monkeys' can symbolize the chaotic, external world, from which one must seek refuge in the inner truth. S. Radhakrishnan, in his writings, also focuses on the universal applicability of Vedantic principles. This verse, from a modern perspective, can inspire individuals to seek their inner strength and understanding, reflecting the contemporary need for self-awareness and inner peace. It underscores the relevance of ancient wisdom in navigating modern life's challenges, echoing Vivekānanda's call for a balanced life that integrates spiritual awareness with practical action.