Tataḥ sugrīveṇa brāhmaṇoktiṃ sumahatīṃ śrutām
“Then by Sugriva the very great saying of the Brahman was heard”
Structure
Tataḥ sugrīveṇa brāhmaṇa-uktiṃ sumaha-tīṃ śrutām
Tataḥ (then) sugrīveṇa (by Sugriva) brāhmaṇa-uktiṃ (the Brahman's saying) sumaha-tīṃ (very great) śrutām (heard)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tataḥ | Tataḥ | indeclinable | — | then, thereafter |
| sugrīveṇa | sugrīveṇa | noun | instrumental · singular · masculine | with Sugrīva |
| brāhmaṇa | brāhmaṇa | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Brahmin |
| uktiṃ | uktiṃ | noun | accusative · singular · feminine | speech, saying |
| sumaha-tīṃ | sumaha-tīṃ | adjective | — | very great, extraordinary |
| śrutām | śrutām | noun | accusative · singular · feminine | heard |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse signifies the profound impact of the Brahman's words on Sugriva, underscoring the importance of scriptural knowledge and the guru's role. According to Shankara, the Brahman's utterance represents the ultimate reality, and Sugriva's reception of it symbolizes the identity of the individual self (ātman) with the universal self (Brahman). In his commentary on the Brahmasutras, Shankara emphasizes that the knowledge imparted by the Brahman is not just intellectual but leads to the direct experience of non-duality. This verse, in the context of the Ramayana, illustrates the transformative power of such knowledge, where Sugriva, having heard the Brahman's words, is poised for a deeper understanding of his own nature and the world. Shankara's non-dualistic interpretation highlights the verse's implication that true knowledge transcends the distinctions between the teacher, the taught, and the act of teaching, pointing towards the ultimate reality that underlies all existence.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition interprets this verse with a focus on the devotional aspect and the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, discusses the importance of surrender to the will of the Lord, which is echoed in Sugriva's reception of the Brahman's words. Here, Sugriva's act of listening represents the jīva's surrender and readiness to follow the path shown by Īśvara. Madhvācārya, from a dualistic perspective, would see this verse as an example of the grace of the Lord, where the Brahman's words to Sugriva symbolize the direct intervention of the divine in the life of the devotee. Both Rāmānuja and Madhva would emphasize the role of faith and devotion in receiving and understanding the divine message, highlighting the personal and relational aspect of spiritual knowledge.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse, from a modern Vedāntic perspective, speaks to the universal and practical application of spiritual knowledge. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the importance of direct experience and the practical application of spiritual principles in everyday life. He would likely interpret Sugriva's hearing of the Brahman's words as a symbol of the individual's capacity to tap into the universal consciousness, leading to empowerment and self-realization. Similarly, S. Radhakrishnan, in his philosophical works, highlights the significance of spiritual knowledge in promoting harmony and understanding among individuals. This verse, in the context of modern life, reminds us of the need to listen to and reflect on the deeper wisdom that transcends our immediate concerns, fostering a sense of unity and purpose. Both Vivekānanda and Radhakrishnan would see in this verse a call to integrate spiritual insights into our daily lives, leading to personal growth and societal well-being.