tathā daśaratho rājā putra-śoka-samanvitaḥ
“Thus King Daśaratha was filled with grief for his son.”
Structure
tathā daśaratho rājā putra-śoka-samanvitaḥ
daśaratho rājā tathā putra-śoka-samanvitaḥ
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tathā | tathā | indeclinable | — | thus, in that manner |
| daśaratho | daśaratho | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Daśaratha (the king) |
| rājā | rājā | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | king |
| putra-śoka | putra-śoka | compound | tatpuruṣa · "putra-ja śokaḥ" | grief due to the son |
| samanvitaḥ | samanvitaḥ | verb | √anvī · past participle · third | overwhelmed with |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In this verse, King Daśaratha's grief for his son illustrates the bondage of attachment. Śaṅkarācārya would argue that Daśaratha's suffering stems from his identification with the ephemeral world, rather than the eternal, unchanging Brahman. The non-dual reading of this verse points to the illusion of separate existence, where the grief of Daśaratha is a manifestation of the ignorance of his true nature, which is Brahman. As Śaṅkarācārya notes in his commentary on the Brahmasūtra, the ultimate reality is beyond human experiences of joy and sorrow. This verse, thus, serves as a reminder to seek the knowledge of Brahman-ātman identity, liberating oneself from the cycle of suffering. By realizing the non-dual nature of reality, one transcends the limitations of the human condition, including the pain of loss and separation, and achieves the state of mokṣa or liberation.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): This verse can be seen as an example of the intense love and attachment a devotee has for their Lord, mirroring the parental love of Daśaratha for Rāma. Rāmānujācārya might interpret Daśaratha's grief as a manifestation of the natural affection between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Lord), highlighting the dependent relationship between the two. The suffering of Daśaratha serves as a reminder of the importance of surrendering to the will of the Lord, recognizing that all events are part of the divine plan. Madhvācārya could further emphasize the difference between the Lord's actions and those of humans, underscoring that even in grief, one should strive to maintain devotion and trust in the ultimate benevolence of the divine. This verse, in the Vaiṣṇava tradition, encourages the cultivation of bhakti, or devotion, as a means to navigate life's challenges with faith in the divine.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): The universal and practical application of this verse can be seen in its depiction of the human experience of grief and loss. Swami Vivekānanda might interpret Daśaratha's sorrow as a symbol of the universal suffering that arises from attachment and ignorance of our true nature. He would likely encourage the reader to develop a broader perspective, recognizing that all experiences, including sorrow, are transient and part of the larger tapestry of life. S. Radhakrishnan could further emphasize the importance of empathy and understanding in responding to the suffering of others, citing this verse as an example of the profound emotional depth of human experience. This perspective connects to contemporary life by highlighting the need for compassion, self-reflection, and the pursuit of wisdom in navigating life's challenges. As Vivekānanda noted in his lectures, the goal is to realize the divine within, which is beyond the fluctuations of joy and sorrow, and to live a life of service, wisdom, and inner peace.