tatastu dṛṣṭvā timirontaragatāṃ satīm
“Then having seen her standing in the darkness”
Structure
tatastu dṛṣṭvā timiro antaragatām satīm
tatastu (then) dṛṣṭvā (having seen) satīm (the truth) antaragatām (having entered) timiro (into darkness)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tatastu | tatastu | indeclinable | — | then, thereafter |
| dṛṣṭvā | dṛṣṭvā | indeclinable | — | having seen, after seeing |
| timiro | timiro | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | darkness |
| antaragatām | antaragatām | compound | bahuvrīhi · "antarena gataḥ yasyāḥ" | one who has gone within (i.e., entered) |
| satīm | satīm | noun | accusative · singular · feminine | she, Sītā |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Rāmāyaṇa, 'tatastu dṛṣṭvā timirontaragatāṃ satīm', presents an opportunity for a non-dual interpretation. The seer, immersed in the darkness of ignorance, perceives Satī, symbolizing the ultimate reality or Brahman, present within. Shankara's commentary on the Brahmasūtra (1.1.5) discusses the importance of understanding the identity of Brahman and Ātman. Applying this reasoning to our verse, the darkness represents the veil of ignorance (avidyā) that obscures the true nature of reality. The perception of Satī within this darkness signifies the emergence of knowledge (vidyā) that reveals the identity of Brahman-Ātman. This verse, therefore, underscores the central tenet of Advaita Vedānta: the non-dual nature of reality, where the individual self (jīva) is ultimately identical with the supreme reality (Brahman). Through this understanding, the seeker transcends the limitations of the material world, akin to Rāma's journey towards self-discovery in the Rāmāyaṇa.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava interpretation of this verse focuses on the devotional relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his Śrī Bhāṣya (commentary on the Brahmasūtra), highlights the concept of prapatti, or total surrender to God. The figure of Satī in the darkness can be seen as a symbol of the soul longing for union with the divine. The darkness (timira) represents the state of separation from God, a consequence of ignorance and karma. The perception of Satī, embodying divine qualities, signifies the grace of Īśvara, which guides the jīva through the darkness towards liberation (mokṣa). Madhvācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, also emphasizes the role of divine grace in liberation. This verse, therefore, underscores the importance of devotion and surrender in the Vaiṣṇava tradition, illustrating the path towards spiritual liberation through the loving relationship between the devotee and the Lord.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Upaniṣads, emphasized the universal message of Vedānta, applicable to all aspects of life. This verse, with its imagery of darkness and the emergence of Satī, can be seen as a metaphor for the human condition. The darkness represents the challenges and ignorance that we face, while Satī symbolizes the innate goodness and potential within each individual. Vivekānanda's concept of 'potential divinity' in every man, as expressed in his Complete Works (Vol. 1), resonates with the message of this verse. Similarly, S. Rādhākrishnan, in his 'Indian Philosophy', discussed the importance of realizing one's true nature to achieve spiritual fulfillment. This realization is akin to the perception of Satī within the darkness, symbolizing the overcoming of internal and external obstacles to uncover one's true potential. This verse, thus, offers a universal and practical message of hope and self-discovery, encouraging individuals to strive for their inner light and connection with the divine, regardless of their background or circumstances.