tathā tena mahatā vṛkṣeṇa rākṣasairabhipātitaḥ
“And thus by that huge tree he was attacked by the Rākṣasas.”
Structure
tathā tena mahatā vṛkṣeṇa rākṣasaiḥ abhipātitaḥ
rākṣasaiḥ tena mahatā vṛkṣeṇa abhipātitaḥ tathā, rākṣasaiḥ (by demons) tena (by him) mahatā (great) vṛkṣeṇa (with tree) abhipātitaḥ (having been thrown) tathā (thus)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tathā | tathā | indeclinable | — | thus, in that manner |
| tena | tena | pronoun | instrumental · singular · masculine | by him |
| mahatā | mahatā | adjective | — | by the great one |
| vṛkṣeṇa | vṛkṣeṇa | noun | instrumental · singular · masculine | with the tree |
| rākṣasaiḥ | rākṣasaiḥ | noun | instrumental · plural · masculine | by the Rākṣasas |
| abhipātitaḥ | abhipātitaḥ | verb | √pāt · passive participle · third | being attacked |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In this verse, the attack by the Rākṣasas under the huge tree symbolizes the affliction of the jīva by the forces of avidyā (ignorance). Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Brahmasūtra (1.1.5), explains that the ultimate reality, Brahman, is untouched by such afflictions, just as the tree remains unaffected by the actions of the Rākṣasas. This illustrates the non-dual nature of reality, where the ātman (individual self) is, in essence, Brahman. The verse thus points to the idea that the jīva's liberation lies in realizing its true nature, untainted by the illusory distinctions imposed by ignorance. By recognizing the Brahman-ātman identity, one transcends the constraints of the ephemeral world, as exemplified by the Rākṣasas' futile attempt to harm the tree, symbolizing the immutable Self. This understanding is pivotal in Śaṅkarācārya's philosophy, guiding the seeker towards the path of self-realization and liberation.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): This verse from the Rāmāyaṇa underscores the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his Śrībhāṣya, emphasizes the concept of prapatti, or total surrender to the Lord, as the means to overcome the challenges posed by the forces of darkness, represented here by the Rākṣasas. The huge tree can be seen as a metaphor for the Lord's grace, under which the jīva seeks refuge. The attack by the Rākṣasas signifies the tests and hardships faced by the devotee, but the protection offered by the tree represents the Lord's care and deliverance. Madhvācārya, in his commentary, would likely interpret the Rākṣasas as symbols of the obstacles to devotion, which are overcome not by the individual's efforts alone but by the Lord's grace, further highlighting the devotional path as the central theme in Vaiṣṇava tradition.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda often emphasized the practical application of Vedāntic principles in everyday life. This verse can be seen as an allegory for the human condition, where the huge tree represents the strength and resilience of the human spirit, and the Rākṣasas embody the internal and external challenges we face. The attack under the tree symbolizes the moments of crisis when our inner strength is tested. Vivekānanda, in his lectures, such as 'The Vedanta in Vernacular,' would likely interpret this as a call to recognize and develop one's inner strength, much like the unshakeable tree. S. Rādhākrishnan, in his philosophical works, might view this verse as an illustration of the universal struggle between good and evil, with the tree standing for the eternal and unchanging principles of justice and morality. Both thinkers would encourage the individual to seek refuge in their own inner strength and the universal principles of truth and compassion, as symbolized by the protective shadow of the tree.