tataste yatirūpeṇa prasiṭya prākṛtaṃ vacaḥ
“Then, as a ascetic, having assumed a natural demeanor, he spoke”
Structure
tatas te yati rūpeṇa prasiṭya prākṛtam vacaḥ
tatas (then) te (your) yati (ascetic) rūpeṇa (in the form) prasiṭya (having approached) prākṛtam (natural) vacaḥ (speech)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tatas | tatas | indeclinable | — | then, thence |
| te | te | pronoun | dative · plural · masculine | to you |
| yati | yati | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Yati (a sage) |
| rūpeṇa | rūpeṇa | compound | karmadhāraya · "rūpa + eṇa" | in the form of |
| prasiṭya | prasiṭya | indeclinable | — | having approached |
| prākṛtam | prākṛtam | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | the Prakrit language |
| vacaḥ | vacaḥ | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | speech, words |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Rāmāyaṇa, 'tataste yatirūpeṇa prasiṭya prākṛtaṃ vacaḥ', underscores the theme of assuming a natural demeanor, reminiscent of the sage's approach to realizing the ultimate truth. According to Shankara, the emphasis on 'yati-rūpeṇa' or the ascetic form, points towards the renunciation of worldly attachments and the adoption of a simple, non-dualistic outlook. In his commentary on the Brahmasūtra, Shankara highlights the importance of 'vairāgya' (detachment) as a means to comprehend the identity of Brahman and Ātman. This verse, by advocating a return to a natural state, echoes the idea that true understanding and unity with the ultimate reality can only be achieved by shedding the artificial layers of the ego and embracing the simplicity and unity of existence. Thus, the ascetic's demeanor is not just a physical appearance but a metaphor for the spiritual seeker's journey towards non-dual awareness.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The act of assuming a 'yati-rūpeṇa' or ascetic form, as described in this verse, can be seen as a metaphor for the devotee's surrender to the divine will. In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this surrender is exemplified through the concept of 'prapatti', where the individual soul (jīva) acknowledges its inherent dependence on the Supreme Lord (Īśvara). Rāmānujācārya, in his Śrī Bhāṣya, elaborates on the relationship between the jīva and Īśvara, emphasizing the former's complete reliance on the latter for liberation. This verse, by portraying the ascetic's demeanor as 'prākṛtaṃ vacaḥ' or natural speech, suggests a state of unpretentious and sincere devotion, where the devotee, like the ascetic, approaches the divine with humility and simplicity, acknowledging the Lord's supremacy and grace. This approach facilitates a deeper understanding of the interdependence between the jīva and Īśvara, fostering a devotional relationship rooted in love and surrender.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): The message of assuming a natural demeanor, as encapsulated in the phrase 'tataste yatirūpeṇa prasiṭya prākṛtaṃ vacaḥ', resonates deeply with the universal and practical teachings of Neo-Vedānta. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, repeatedly stressed the importance of living a simple, genuine life, unencumbered by the artificial trappings of societal expectations. This idea of embracing one's natural state echoes the concept of 'swabhāva' or innate nature, which, when aligned with the universal principles, leads to harmony and balance. In contemporary life, this verse serves as a reminder of the need to shed pretenses and embrace authenticity, allowing individuals to connect with their deeper selves and the world around them on a more profound level. As S. Radhakrishnan aptly noted, the aim of spiritual growth is not to acquire something new but to uncover the depths of one's own nature, and this process begins with embracing simplicity and naturalness in all aspects of life.