tatastu dṛṣṭvā janakasya purohitam | adhigamya ca yathārhaṃ ṛṣim proci vāṅ || 388 ||
“Then, having seen the family priest of Janaka, he approached him and spoke as was proper.”
Structure
tatastu dṛṣṭvā janakasya purohitam adhigamya ca yathārham ṛṣim proci vāṅ
tatastu (then) dṛṣṭvā (having seen) janakasya (of Janaka) purohitam (the chief priest) adhigamya (having approached) ca (and) yathārham (suitably) ṛṣim (the sage) proci (addressed) vāṅ (words)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tatastu | tataḥstu | indeclinable | — | then, indeed |
| dṛṣṭvā | dṛṣṭvā | indeclinable | — | having seen |
| janakasya | janakasya | noun | genitive · singular · masculine | of Janaka |
| purohitam | purohitam | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | the chief priest |
| adhigamya | adhigamya | indeclinable | — | having approached |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| yathārhaṃ | yathārhaṁ | indeclinable | — | as it was fitting |
| ṛṣim | ṛṣim | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | the sage |
| proci | proci | verb | √pra-√vac · preterite · third | spoke |
| vāṅ | vāṅ | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | speech, words |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, tatastu dṛṣṭvā janakasya purohitam, highlights the importance of approaching a guru or a knowledgeable person with the proper attitude and respect. According to Shankara, this verse can be seen as a representation of the seeker's journey towards Self-realization. The 'family priest of Janaka' can be interpreted as the symbol of the inner guide or the intuition that guides the seeker towards the ultimate truth. The act of 'approaching him and speaking as was proper' signifies the humility and the openness required to receive the knowledge. This verse points to the brahman-ātman identity, as it emphasizes the importance of recognizing and honoring the inner guide, which is ultimately the Self. In his commentary on the Taittiriya Upanishad, Shankara explains that the realization of the Self is not possible without the guidance of a competent teacher, which is reflected in this verse.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The verse tatastu dṛṣṭvā janakasya purohitam, in the context of the Rāmāyaṇa, demonstrates the significance of devotion and surrender to a higher authority. Rāmānujācārya would interpret this verse as an example of the relationship between the jīva (the individual self) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). The 'family priest of Janaka' represents the divine guide who facilitates the union of the individual self with the Supreme Lord. The act of approaching the priest with proper respect and humility signifies the devotional attitude required for this union. Madhvācārya would further emphasize the distinction between the individual self and the Supreme Lord, highlighting the importance of recognizing and honoring this distinction. This verse, in the Vaiṣṇava tradition, underscores the role of devotion and surrender in achieving spiritual liberation.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): The verse tatastu dṛṣṭvā janakasya purohitam offers valuable insights into the practical application of spiritual principles in contemporary life. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lecture 'The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda', emphasizes the importance of approaching life's challenges with humility and an open mind, much like the approach to the 'family priest of Janaka'. This verse highlights the need for seeking guidance from those who have acquired knowledge and experience, recognizing the value of tradition and wisdom. S. Rādhākrishnan, in his book 'The Principal Upanishads', explains that this verse symbolizes the universal human quest for knowledge and understanding, which is essential for personal growth and development. The verse encourages individuals to adopt a humble and receptive attitude, acknowledging the limitations of their own knowledge and being open to learning from others, thereby fostering a culture of mutual respect and cooperation.