tato daśaratho janakaṃ rājānam abravīt. sa sītā yaśasā tulyaḥ sabhāryo iva vānaraiḥ.
“Then Dasaratha spoke to king Janaka, He, like Sita in fame, with his wife, is equal to the monkeys.”
Structure
tato daśaratho janakaṃ rājānam abravīt sa sītā yaśasā tulyaḥ sabhāryo iva vānaraiḥ
Tato (then) daśaratho (King Dasharatha) rājānam (to King) janakaṃ (Janaka) abravīt (spoke).Sa (He, King Janaka) sītā (with Sita) yaśasā (in fame) tulyaḥ (equal) sabhāryo (with his wife) iva (like) vānaraiḥ (with monkeys)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tato | tato | indeclinable | — | then, thereafter |
| daśaratho | daśaratho | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Daśaratha |
| janakaṃ | janakaṃ | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | Janaka |
| rājānam | rājānam | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | king |
| abravīt | abravīt | verb | √brū · past · third | spoke, said |
| sa | sa | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | he |
| sītā | sītā | noun | nominative · singular · feminine | Sītā |
| yaśasā | yaśasā | noun | instrumental · singular · neuter | with fame |
| tulyaḥ | tulyaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | equal to |
| sabhāryo | sabhāryo | compound | bahuvrīhi · "saḥ bhāryo" | one whose wife is |
| iva | iva | indeclinable | — | like |
| vānaraiḥ | vānaraiḥ | noun | instrumental · plural · masculine | with monkeys |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Rāmāyaṇa highlights the non-dual nature of reality, where the distinction between the individual self (jīva) and the ultimate reality (Brahman) is transcended. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Brahma Sūtras, emphasizes the importance of understanding the identity of Brahman and ātman. Although he does not directly comment on this verse, his reasoning on the nature of reality as non-dual (advaita) can be applied here. The comparison of Dasaratha, with his wife and like Sita in fame, to the monkeys, suggests a unity and equality among all beings, pointing to the underlying Brahman-ātman identity. This unity is not just a moral or social concept but an ontological fact. The non-dual reading of this verse encourages the seeker to look beyond superficial differences and perceive the common, unchanging essence in all existence.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava perspective, this verse can be seen as an illustration of the devotional relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his interpretation of the Vedas and the Upaniṣads, emphasizes the concept of viśiṣṭādvaita (qualified non-dualism), where the jīva and Īśvara are distinct yet intimately related. Although Rāmānujācārya does not directly comment on this specific verse, his overall theological framework can be applied to understand the dynamics at play. The comparison made in the verse can be seen as a metaphor for the loving and dependent relationship between the devotee and the Divine, where the devotee, like Sita, seeks to be united with the Lord. This verse thus underscores the Vaiṣṇava emphasis on bhakti (devotion) as the means to realize one's true nature and relationship with the Supreme.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda and S. Rādhākrishnan, key figures in Neo-Vedānta, would likely interpret this verse as a call to recognize and embody the universal principles of unity and equality. Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the practical application of Vedāntic principles in daily life, encouraging individuals to strive for self-realization and service to humanity. This verse, with its imagery of Dasaratha, Sita, and the monkeys, can be seen as a reminder of the inherent worth and dignity of all beings, regardless of their background or circumstances. Rādhākrishnan, with his philosophical emphasis on the fusion of Eastern and Western thought, might view this verse as an illustration of the universal human aspiration for harmony and mutual respect. Both thinkers would likely argue that this verse offers a powerful message for contemporary society, urging individuals to move beyond divisions and strive for a more inclusive and compassionate world.