tato lakṣmaṇaḥ pauruṣeṇa vardhiṣṇunā sahasraśaḥ ।
“Then Lakshmana with courage that grew in a thousand ways”
Structure
tato lakṣmaṇaḥ pauruṣeṇa vardhiṣṇunā sahasraśaḥ
tato (then) lakṣmaṇaḥ (Lakshmana) pauruṣeṇa (by valor) vardhiṣṇunā (by the growth) sahasraśaḥ (in a thousand ways)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tato | tato | indeclinable | — | then, thereafter |
| lakṣmaṇaḥ | lakṣmaṇaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Lakṣmaṇa |
| pauruṣeṇa | pauruṣeṇa | compound | tatpuruṣa · "pauruṣa + ena" | with manly strength/energy |
| vardhiṣṇunā | vardhiṣṇunā | compound | tatpuruṣa · "vardhiṣṇu + nā" | with the increaser/ enhancer ( Lakṣmaṇa ) |
| sahasraśaḥ | sahasraśaḥ | indeclinable | — | in a thousand ways/methods |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, 'tato lakṣmaṇaḥ pauruṣeṇa vardhiṣṇunā sahasraśaḥ,' underscores the importance of courage in the pursuit of spiritual growth. Shankara, in his commentary on the Brahmasutra, emphasizes the need for a strong and resolute mind (pauruṣa) to realize the ultimate truth of Brahman-ātman identity. The courage exhibited by Lakshmana here can be seen as a metaphor for the unwavering resolve required to transcend the limitations of the ego and realize one's true nature. This aligns with Shankara's reasoning that the knowledge of Brahman is not attainable through mere intellectual understanding, but through a deep, existential awareness that arises from a courageous and focused mind. By highlighting Lakshmana's courage, the verse points to the necessity of cultivating a similar resolve in one's own spiritual journey, aiming towards the understanding that the ultimate reality, Brahman, is not separate from the self (ātman).
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition interprets this verse with a focus on the devotional aspect and the relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (God). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, emphasizes the importance of surrender and devotion to the Lord. Lakshmana's courage, as depicted in this verse, can be seen as a manifestation of his unwavering dedication to Rāma, symbolizing the ideal devotee's complete surrender to God. This relationship between Lakshmana and Rāma reflects the Vaiṣṇava concept of prapatti, or total surrender, where the individual's actions and motivations are guided by a deep love and devotion for the divine. The verse thus highlights the path of devotion (bhakti) as a means to cultivate courage and perseverance, illustrating how a strong sense of duty and loyalty, as demonstrated by Lakshmana, is a fundamental aspect of the devotee's character.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse offers a powerful message about the importance of courage and resilience in the face of challenges. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures, often emphasized the need for courage and strength in the pursuit of one's goals and ideals. The depiction of Lakshmana's courage that grows in a thousand ways ('vardhiṣṇunā sahasraśaḥ') can be seen as a metaphor for the multifaceted nature of human potential. Vivekānanda would likely interpret this as an exhortation to tap into one's inner resources, to develop courage and confidence that can manifest in countless ways, enabling individuals to overcome obstacles and achieve their full potential. Furthermore, this verse can be connected to contemporary life by highlighting the importance of emotional intelligence, adaptability, and resilience. It suggests that true strength lies not in physical power, but in the ability to adapt, to persevere, and to grow in the face of adversity, echoing Vivekānanda's call for individuals to become 'lions' in their own right, unafraid to face challenges and to assert their inherent dignity and strength.