Tataḥ śṛṇu gaditaṃ vainateyād virāṭaṃ vākyam aśokahṛdayaḥ
“Then, with a heart free from sorrow, hear the words spoken by Garuda's son ( Jatayu ) to Vibhishana.”
Structure
Tataḥ śṛṇu gaditam Vainateyād virāṭam vākyam aśokahṛdayaḥ
Aśokahṛdayaḥ (with a heart full of sorrow) virāṭam (great) vākyam (speech) Vainateyād (from Garuḍa, the son of Vinatā) gaditam (spoken) tataḥ (then) śṛṇu (listen)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tataḥ | Tataḥ | indeclinable | — | then, thereafter |
| śṛṇu | śṛṇu | verb | √śru · liṣṭ-present imperative · second | listen |
| gaditam | gaditam | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | what was spoken |
| Vainateyād | Vainateyād | noun | ablative · singular · masculine | from the son of Vinatā (i.e., Garuḍa) |
| virāṭam | virāṭam | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | immense, gigantic |
| vākyam | vākyam | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | speech, statement |
| aśokahṛdayaḥ | aśokahṛdayaḥ | compound | bahuvrīhi · "aśoka-hṛdayaḥ" | one whose heart is free from sorrow |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In this verse from the Rāmāyaṇa, the instruction to 'hear' (śṛṇu) the words of Jatayu with 'a heart free from sorrow' (aśokahṛdayaḥ) points towards the cultivation of a detached and equanimous state of mind. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Brahmasūtra (1.1.1), emphasizes the importance of such a state for the realization of the ultimate truth, Brahman. The non-dual reading of this verse suggests that the hearing is not just of external words, but an internal listening to the whisper of the Self, leading to an understanding of the identity of Brahman and Ātman. This identity is key to overcoming sorrow, as it reveals that the ultimate reality is untouched by worldly sufferings. Thus, this verse can be seen as guiding the seeker towards a deeper, introspective journey, away from external events and towards the realization of the unchanging, sorrowless nature of the Self.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition interprets this verse with a focus on the devotional aspect and the relationship between the jīva (the individual soul) and Īśvara (the Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his Śrī Bhāṣya, comments on the importance of surrender and devotion to the Lord, which aligns with the attitude of Vibhishana listening to Jatayu's words with a heart free from sorrow. This surrender is seen as a means to transcend worldly sorrows and attain liberation. The verse thus underscores the role of faith and devotion in overcoming adversity, as exemplified by Vibhishana's and Jatayu's actions in the epic. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, might emphasize the dualistic aspect of this interaction, highlighting the distinction between the jīva and Īśvara, and how such interactions underscore the dependent nature of the jīva on the Lord for guidance and liberation.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures, often spoke about the practical application of Vedāntic principles in everyday life. This verse, with its emphasis on hearing with a 'heart free from sorrow,' can be seen as an instruction for modern life, where individuals face numerous challenges and sorrows. The essence of the verse is universal and applicable to all, irrespective of religious affiliations. It teaches us the importance of approaching life's challenges with a calm and composed mind, uncluttered by emotional turmoil. S. Radhakrishnan, in his philosophical writings, often highlighted the relevance of ancient Indian wisdom to contemporary issues. He might interpret this verse as a call to introspection and self-awareness, encouraging individuals to seek inner peace and strength in the face of adversity, thus contributing to a more peaceful and harmonious world.