atha rājā tad ajānan yaTHā nu mama kanyā hi .
“The king, not knowing, asked as if it were about his own daughter.”
Structure
atha rājā tad ajānan yaTHā nu mama kanyā hi
atha (now) rājā (the king) ajānan (not knowing) yaTHā (how) nu (indeed) mama (my) kanyā (daughter) hi (is)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| atha | atha | indeclinable | — | then, now |
| rājā | rājā | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | king |
| tad | tad | pronoun | accusative · neuter | that |
| ajānan | ajānan | verb | √ajñā · liṅ-optative · third | not knowing |
| yaTHā | yathā | indeclinable | — | how |
| nu | nu | indeclinable | — | indeed, surely |
| mama | mama | pronoun | genitive · singular | my |
| kanyā | kanyā | noun | nominative · singular · feminine | daughter |
| hi | hi | indeclinable | — | for, indeed |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Rāmāyaṇa illustrates the theme of ignorance (ajñāna) that veils the true nature of reality, leading individuals to perceive differences where there are none. The king's inquiry into his daughter's situation, as if it were about any other, reflects the universal principle that all actions and inquiries are rooted in a fundamental misapprehension of the self (ātman). Shankara's commentary on the Brahma Sūtras and the Bhagavad Gītā emphasizes the non-dual nature of Brahman and ātman, suggesting that the king's ignorance is a metaphor for the ignorance that separates the individual self from the universal self. This verse thus underscores the importance of recognizing the unity of all existence, dispelling the illusion of separation that is the root of all suffering.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava perspective on this verse focuses on the devotional aspect, where the king's concern for his daughter is emblematic of the divine concern (vātsalya) that Īśvara (the Supreme Lord) has for all jīvas (souls). Rāmānujācārya, in his Śrī Bhāṣya, discusses the concept of the Lord's tender affection for His devotees, which mirrors the king's paternal love. This verse highlights the bhakti (devotional) path, where recognizing theLord's loving care for all beings cultivates a sense of unity and dependence on the divine. The king's question, born out of love and concern, symbolizes the intense longing of the devotee for union with the divine, reflecting the Vaiṣṇava emphasis on personal devotion as a means to spiritual liberation.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda's interpretation of this verse would likely focus on its universal and practical application, emphasizing the importance of empathy and compassion. The king's behavior, driven by paternal love, demonstrates a profound lesson in understanding and relating to others' situations. This, Vivekānanda might argue, is essential for achieving a harmonious society and realizing one's full potential. In his lectures on the 'Universal Religion' and 'Practical Vedānta,' Vivekānanda often stressed the need for individuals to recognize their shared humanity, transcending individual and societal boundaries. This verse, with its illustration of a universal emotion (concern for a child), serves as a reminder of the power of empathy and the interconnectedness of all human experiences, reflecting the Neo-Vedānta emphasis on service to humanity as a path to spiritual growth and self-realization.