tathā daśaratho rājā putra-śoka-saṃṛto niśi
“And King Daśaratha, overcome with grief for his son, spent the night”
Structure
tathā daśaratho rājā putra śoka saṃṛto niśi
daśaratho (King Dasharatha) rājā (the king) tathā (thus) putra (son's) śoka (grief) saṃṛto (overcome) niśi (at night)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tathā | tathā | indeclinable | — | thus, in that manner |
| daśaratho | daśaratho | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Daśaratha (king) |
| rājā | rājā | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | king |
| putra | putra | noun | stem form · singular · masculine | son |
| śoka | śoka | noun | stem form · singular · masculine | grief, sorrow |
| saṃṛto | saṃṛto | verb | √ṛ · past participle · third | overwhelmed, filled with |
| niśi | niśi | noun | locative · singular · feminine | night |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the transient nature of worldly attachments, including the profound bond between parent and child. Daśaratha's overwhelming grief for his son illustrates the inherent suffering (duḥkha) that arises from identification with the ego and its relationships. Shankara might argue that Daśaratha's experience is a manifestation of avidyā, or ignorance of the true nature of reality. By recognizing the impermanence of all earthly connections, the verse invites the reader to contemplate the eternal, unchanging essence of brahman-ātman, beyond the fleeting sorrows of the world. This interpretation aligns with Shankara's commentary on the Brahmasūtra (1.1.1), where he establishes that the ultimate reality is untouched by human suffering, and that liberation (mokṣa) can be achieved through the realization of this non-dual truth.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In this verse, Daśaratha's anguish serves as a poignant reminder of the jīva's inherent dependence on Īśvara. Rāmānujācārya might see Daśaratha's grief as an opportunity for bhakti, or devotion, where the individual, acknowledging their powerlessness, turns to the divine for solace and guidance. The Vaiṣṇava tradition emphasizes the loving relationship between the devotee and the Lord, and Daśaratha's plight can be seen as a call to surrender one's ego and worldly attachments, recognizing the Lord's will and providence. This perspective finds resonance in Rāmānujācārya's Śrībhāṣya (2.1.14), where he discusses the importance of prapatti, or self-surrender, as a means to attain spiritual liberation and experience the divine grace.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse offers a powerful lesson in the nature of human suffering and the importance of introspection. Swami Vivekānanda might interpret Daśaratha's experience as a manifestation of the universal human struggle with loss and attachment. The verse encourages the reader to look beyond the external circumstances and delve into the inner, spiritual dimensions of human existence. In his lecture 'The Real Nature of Man' (Complete Works, Vol. 2), Vivekānanda emphasizes the need to recognize and transcend the limitations of the ego, cultivating a deeper sense of self-awareness and compassion. Similarly, S. Rādhākrishnan, in his 'Indian Philosophy' (Vol. 1), highlights the significance of introspection and self-inquiry in understanding the human condition, suggesting that the wisdom of the Upaniṣads and the epics, such as the Rāmāyaṇa, can guide us toward a more authentic and fulfilling life.