tathā hi daśaratho rājā putra-śokena pīḍitaḥ
“Thus King Daśaratha was afflicted with grief for his son.”
Structure
tathā hi daśaratho rājā putra-śokena pīḍitaḥ
daśaratho (Dasharatha) rājā (king) hi (indeed) tathā (in that manner) putra-śokena (by grief for his son) pīḍitaḥ (was afflicted)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tathā | tathā | indeclinable | — | in that manner, thus |
| hi | hi | indeclinable | — | for, indeed |
| daśaratho | daśaratho | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Daśaratha (king's name) |
| rājā | rājā | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | king |
| putra-śokena | putra-śokena | compound | tatpuruṣa · "putra-śoka ena" | with grief caused by (his) son |
| pīḍitaḥ | pīḍitaḥ | verb | √pīḍ · past participle · third | afflicted, tormented |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): The verse 'tathā hi daśaratho rājā putra-śokena pīḍitaḥ' exemplifies the non-dual perspective by highlighting the universal human experience of suffering. According to Shankara, Daśaratha's grief for his son illustrates the inherent ignorance (avidyā) that binds the individual self (jīva) to the cycle of suffering. Shankara's commentary on the Brahmasūtra (1.1.5) emphasizes the notion that the ultimate reality, Brahman, is beyond human experiences of pleasure and pain. In this context, Daśaratha's suffering serves as a reminder of the impermanence of worldly attachments, pointing towards the realization of the identity of the individual self with the ultimate reality, Brahman. This understanding liberates the individual from the bondage of grief and suffering, revealing the true nature of the self as untouched by worldly experiences.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): This verse is significant in the Vaiṣṇava tradition as it portrays the intense emotional bond between a father and son, mirroring the relationship between the individual self (jīva) and the Supreme Lord (Īśvara). Rāmānujācārya's commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā (12.17) highlights the importance of cultivating devotion (bhakti) towards the Lord, which allows the individual to transcend worldly sorrows. In this context, Daśaratha's grief for his son Rāma serves as a reminder of the Lord's presence in all beings and the importance of surrendering one's attachments and desires to Him. Madhvācārya's Dvaita Vedānta also emphasizes the real distinction between the Lord and the individual self, yet acknowledges the intimacy of their relationship, as exemplified by Daśaratha's paternal love for Rāma, seen as a reflection of the Lord's love for His devotees.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): The modern interpretation of this verse, as inspired by Swami Vivekānanda and S. Rādhākrishnan, focuses on its universal and practical applications. Vivekānanda, in his lecture 'The Ideal of a Universal Religion,' emphasizes the importance of recognizing the unity of all existence, beyond the confines of individual suffering. Similarly, Rādhākrishnan, in his writings on the Upaniṣads, underscores the relevance of the concept of non-dualism in contemporary life, advocating for a holistic understanding of existence. In this light, Daśaratha's grief for his son can be seen as a symbol of the human condition, where attachment and separation are inevitable. However, by recognizing the interconnectedness of all beings, individuals can transcend personal sorrows and find solace in the universal, ultimately realizing their true nature as part of the cosmic whole. This understanding has profound implications for personal growth, social harmony, and global unity, as it encourages empathy, compassion, and selfless service.