tataste mahato jarmanaḥ śṛṇvato yatprajābhūtam
“Then from Him, the great unborn one, who was listening, all creation originated.”
Structure
tatas te mahato janmanaḥ śṛṇvataḥ yat prajā bhūtam
tatas (then) te (your) mahataḥ (great) janmanaḥ (from the womb) śṛṇvataḥ (listening) yat (which) prajā (creation) bhūtam (arisen), meaning: then from the great one (Brahmā) who was listening, that creation arose which is your (offspring)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tatas | tatas | indeclinable | — | thence, from that place |
| te | te | pronoun | dative · plural · masculine | to you |
| mahato | mahato | noun | genitive · singular · masculine | of the great one |
| janmanaḥ | janmanaḥ | noun | genitive · singular · masculine | of birth |
| śṛṇvataḥ | śṛṇvataḥ | verb | √śru · present participle · second | while hearing |
| yat | yat | pronoun | nominative · singular · neuter | what |
| prajā | prajā | noun | nominative · singular · feminine | creation, offspring |
| bhūtam | bhūtam | verb | √bhū · past participle | has come into existence |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Rāmāyaṇa underscores the non-dual nature of reality, highlighting the origination of all creation from the great unborn one. According to Shankara, the term 'mahato janmanaḥ' signifies the ultimate reality, Brahman, which is beyond birth and death. The phrase 'śṛṇvataḥ yat prajā bhūtam' suggests that from this ultimate reality, all creation emerges, listened to or perceived by the individual self (jīva). This listening or perception is not an action in the conventional sense but an awareness that reveals the identity of the individual self with the ultimate reality, leading to the understanding of 'tat tvam asi' (that thou art). Shankara's commentary on the Brahma Sutras, particularly his discussion on the nature of Brahman and the world, provides a framework for understanding this verse as pointing to the brahman-ātman identity, where the ultimate goal is to realize this non-dual essence.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is seen as emphasizing the relationship between the individual soul (jīva) and the Supreme Lord (Īśvara). Ramanuja, in his Śrī Bhāshya, interprets similar verses from the Upanishads in the context of the Lord's sovereignty and the dependent nature of the individual souls. This verse suggests that the great unborn one, likely referring to the Supreme Lord, is the source of all creation. The act of listening or perception signifies the Lord's awareness and control over all creation. The verse underscores the devotional aspect, where the jīva's recognition of its dependent nature leads to devotion and surrender to Īśvara. Madhva, with his emphasis on the difference between the Lord and the soul, would likely interpret this verse as highlighting the Lord's role as the creator and sustainer of the universe, with the jīvas being dependent on Him for their existence and liberation.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse offers a profound insight into the universal and practical applications of Vedantic philosophy in contemporary life. Swami Vivekananda, in his lectures, often emphasized the potential of the human soul and the importance of realizing one's true nature. This verse, with its imagery of creation emerging from the great unborn one, can be seen as a call to recognize and tap into this inner potential. Vivekananda, in his discussion on the 'Universal Soul' in 'The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda', emphasizes the oneness of all existence and the potential for human beings to realize this unity. Similarly, S. Radhakrishnan, in his philosophical works, highlights the importance of integrating the spiritual and the practical, suggesting that the realization of one's true nature is essential for individual and societal upliftment. This verse, in the context of modern Vedanta, encourages a practical spirituality that seeks to uncover the deeper, unborn essence within oneself, leading to a life of purpose, harmony, and universal consciousness.