tataste vānarāḥ sarve hariśabdradru-māniva .
“Then all those monkeys stood like trees with the name of Hari.”
Structure
tatas te vānarāḥ sarve hari śabda adrūmān iva
tatas (then) te (those) vānarāḥ (monkeys) sarve (all) adrūmān (like trees) iva (like) hari (Hanuman) śabda (the name)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tatas | tatas | indeclinable | — | then, thence |
| te | te | pronoun | nominative · plural · masculine | they |
| vānaraḥ | vānaraḥ | noun | nominative · plural · masculine | monkeys |
| sarve | sarve | adjective | — | all |
| hari | hari | adjective | — | remover of sins |
| śabda | śabda | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | sound, word |
| adrūmān | adrūmān | adjective | — | as if speechless or mute |
| iva | iva | indeclinable | — | like, as if |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, tataste vānarāḥ sarve hariśabda adrūmān iva, underscores the theme of unity and the illusory nature of distinctions. The comparison of the monkeys to trees upon hearing the name of Hari symbolizes the steadfast and unwavering nature of the Self (Ātman) when it is reminded of its true essence, which is none other than Brahman. Shankara's commentary on the Brahma Sutras emphasizes the importance of understanding the identity of Brahman and Ātman. In the context of this verse, the Advaitic perspective would interpret the transformation of the monkeys as a metaphor for the recognition of one's true nature, unshaken by worldly fluctuations, much like the trees stand firm, unmoved by external conditions. This illustrates the concept of 'Drśya' (perceived) and 'Drśyam' (the seer), where the perceived (the world, the monkeys) finds stability in the awareness of the ultimate reality (Hari, the Ātman). The verse thus encapsulates the Advaitic principle of non-duality, where the distinctions between the individual selves and the ultimate reality (Brahman) are understood to be illusory, and the true nature of the Self is revealed in the depth of consciousness.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition interprets this verse with a strong emphasis on devotion (Bhakti) and the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Lord). The monkeys standing like trees upon hearing the name of Hari signifies the transformative power of devotion. Hearing the name of the Lord has the power to stabilize the mind, just as trees stand firm against the winds. Rāmānujācārya, in his interpretation of the Bhagavad Gītā, highlights the importance of surrender and devotion to the divine. In this context, the monkeys' reaction can be seen as a symbol of the devotees' unwavering dedication and faith in the Lord. The name 'Hari' invokes a sense of reverence and stability, reflecting the Vaiṣṇava belief in the liberating power of the Lord's name. This verse illustrates the dependency of the jīva on Īśvara, where the mere remembrance of the divine can bring about a profound sense of calm and steadfastness, underscoring the path of devotion as a means to achieve unity with the divine.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): In the context of modern Vedānta, this verse is seen as a call to universal stability and inner peace. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures, emphasized the importance of realizing one's true nature and the power of the divine name. The image of the monkeys standing steadfast like trees symbolizes the human quest for stability in turbulent times. This can be achieved by connecting with the universal consciousness, the ultimate reality that underlies all existence. Vivekānanda's teachings on the practical applications of Vedānta highlight the need for individuals to seek their inner strength and stability by looking beyond the ephemeral nature of worldly life. Similarly, S. Radhakrishnan's philosophical works underscore the relevance of Vedāntic principles in contemporary life, emphasizing the pursuit of knowledge and the cultivation of a deeper understanding of the self. This verse, therefore, serves as a reminder of the transformative potential that lies within the recognition of one's true essence and the universal interconnectedness of all beings, guiding individuals towards a path of self-discovery and inner peace.