Tato Lakṣmaṇaḥ śoka-pariśrameṇa vegitaḥ.
“Then, due to the fatigue caused by grief, Lakṣmaṇa quickly.”
Structure
Tato Lakṣmaṇaḥ śoka-pariśrameṇa vegitaḥ
Tato (then) Lakṣmaṇaḥ (Lakshmana) śoka-pariśrameṇa (by grief and exhaustion) vegitaḥ (was impelled)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tato | Tato | indeclinable | — | Then, thereafter |
| Lakṣmaṇaḥ | Lakṣmaṇaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Lakṣmaṇa |
| śoka-pariśrameṇa | śoka-pariśrameṇa | compound | tatpuruṣa · "śoka-pariśrama + ena" | with grief and exhaustion |
| vegitaḥ | vegitaḥ | verb | √vi-j · past participle · third | was impelled or moved |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In this verse, the hastening of Lakṣmaṇa due to grief-induced fatigue illustrates the non-dualistic concept of brahman-ātman identity. As Shankara notes in his Bhāṣya on the Brahmasūtra, all actions, including those driven by emotions like grief, are ultimately a manifestation of the universal Self (Brahman). The emotional state of Lakṣmaṇa serves as a backdrop to understand the impermanent nature of the human experience, pointing towards the eternal and unchanging essence of the ātman. This reading encourages the seeker to look beyond the ephemeral emotions and actions, realizing the unity of all existence in Brahman. Through this lens, the fatigue and grief of Lakṣmaṇa become a teaching moment, guiding the aspirant towards the recognition of the undivided, absolute reality.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya): The Vaiṣṇava interpretation of this verse focuses on the personal relationship between the jīva (Lakṣmaṇa) and Īśvara (Rāma). Rāmānujācārya would likely view Lakṣmaṇa's grief as a manifestation of his bhakti, or devotion, towards his brother Rāma. The fatigue and emotional distress Lakṣmaṇa experiences are a testament to the depth of his love and dedication. This reading highlights the Vaiṣṇava theme of prapatti, or self-surrender, where the jīva, recognizing its dependence on Īśvara, surrenders to the divine will. In this context, Lakṣmaṇa's actions are not just a reaction to grief but an expression of his dependence on and devotion to Rāma, illustrating the intimate and personal relationship between the devotee and the divine.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda): This verse can be seen as an illustration of the psychological and philosophical insights offered by Vedānta. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on practical Vedānta, often emphasized the importance of understanding and managing one's emotions to achieve a balanced and fulfilling life. Lakṣmaṇa's grief-induced fatigue can be viewed as a universal human experience, where emotional distress can overwhelm an individual's mental and physical faculties. Vivekānanda would likely use this example to teach about the importance of self-control, resilience, and the cultivation of inner strength in the face of adversity. By recognizing the universal applicability of Lakṣmaṇa's experience, one can apply the principles of Vedānta to contemporary life, fostering empathy, understanding, and personal growth.