tathā daśaratho rājā putrān priya iva agrataḥ.
“Thus King Daśaratha looked at his sons as if they were his very dear self.”
Structure
tathā daśaratho rājā putrān priyaḥ iva agrataḥ
daśaratho rājā tathā putrān agrataḥ priyaḥ iva
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tathā | tathā | indeclinable | — | in that manner, thus |
| daśaratho | daśaratho | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Daśaratha (the king) |
| rājā | rājā | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | king |
| putrān | putrān | noun | accusative · plural · masculine | sons |
| priyaḥ | priyaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | dear one, beloved |
| iva | iva | indeclinable | — | like, as if |
| agrataḥ | agrataḥ | indeclinable | — | in front, foremost |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse illustrates the non-dual understanding of the ultimate reality. When King Daśaratha looks at his sons as if they were his very dear self, it symbolizes the oneness of the Self (ātman) with all beings. According to Śaṅkara, this is an expression of the innate knowledge of the identity of brahman and ātman (Brahmasūtra Bhāṣya 1.1.1). Daśaratha's gaze represents the intuitive knowledge that transcends individual distinctions, signifying the all-encompassing nature of the ultimate reality. This verse points to the understanding that the distinctions between the individual self and others are but an illusion, and that the true Self is identical with the universal consciousness (Brahman). Śaṅkara's commentary on the Taittirīya Upaniṣad (2.1.1) further clarifies that this understanding is the key to realizing the true nature of reality, which is beyond duality.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition views this verse as an exemplification of the loving relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the supreme Lord). King Daśaratha's affection towards his sons reflects the paternal love of God towards all souls. Rāmānujācārya's commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā (12.14-15) explains that this kind of love is a reflection of the divine love that permeates the universe. Daśaratha's gaze signifies the omniscient and omnipresent nature of the divine, which sees all beings as its own. In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse also highlights the importance of cultivating a sense of dependence on God and recognizing one's role as a servant of the divine. Madhvācārya's Anuvyākhyāna further clarifies that the loving gaze of Daśaratha towards his sons is a manifestation of the inherent bhakti (devotion) that exists between the jīva and Īśvara.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse offers a profound insight into the universal and practical application of spirituality in contemporary life. When King Daśaratha looks at his sons as his own self, it demonstrates the unity and interconnectedness of all human beings. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lecture 'The Universal Religion' (Complete Works, Vol. 2), emphasized that this sense of oneness is the foundation of true empathy and compassion. Similarly, S. Rādhākrishnan, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā (p. 155), highlights that this verse illustrates the importance of cultivating a sense of universal brotherhood. The verse encourages us to recognize the inherent dignity and worth of every individual, transcending artificial barriers of caste, creed, or social status. In this sense, Daśaratha's gaze represents the ideal of a global citizenship, where we see each other as part of a larger human family, deserving of love, respect, and understanding.