tatastu dṛṣṭvā sa pitā putramanujñāpya muniprabhum.
“Then, having seen him, the father, having taken the permission of the sage”
Structure
tatastu - dṛṣṭvā - sa - pitā - putram - anujñāpya - muniprabhum
sa pitā tatastu dṛṣṭvā muniprabhum anujñāpya putram
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tatastu | tatastu | indeclinable | — | then, thereupon |
| dṛṣṭvā | dṛṣṭvā | indeclinable | — | having seen |
| sa | sa | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | he |
| pitā | pitā | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | father |
| putram | putram | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | son |
| anujñāpya | anujñāpya | verb | √anujñā · passive participle | having permitted |
| muniprabhum | muniprabhum | compound | bahuvrīhi · "munīśa prabhuḥ" | the lord of sages |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Rāmāyaṇa underscores the significance of seeking guidance from a sage or a guru, which is a pivotal aspect of the Advaita tradition. Ādi Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Brahmasūtras, emphasizes the importance of a guru in understanding the ultimate reality, Brahman. The act of the father seeking permission from the muniprabhu (sage) before taking any action towards his son reflects a non-dual reading where the individual self (ātman) recognizes its inherent unity with the universal self (Brahman) through the mediation of a wise and knowing guide. This recognition is crucial as it points towards the brahman-ātman identity, suggesting that true knowledge and bliss can only be attained by realizing this oneness. The sage, here, symbolizes the embodiment of this knowledge, guiding the seeker towards the path of self-realization. Through this verse, we see the practical application of Advaita philosophy, where the seeker's journey begins with humility and a willingness to learn from those who have realized the truth.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse can be seen as exemplifying the principle of prapatti or surrender, which is a core aspect of Vaiṣṇava philosophy. Rāmānujācārya, in his interpretation of the Brahmasūtras, highlights the role of surrender to a higher power as a means to attain liberation. The father's act of seeking permission from the sage, considered a representative of the divine, before interacting with his son, reflects a devotional attitude where the individual acknowledges their dependence on a higher authority. This gesture symbolizes the jīva's (individual self) relationship with Īśvara (the Lord), where the jīva seeks guidance and approval, recognizing Īśvara's sovereignty. Both Rāmānujācārya and Madhvācārya would likely interpret this verse as emphasizing the importance of devotion and surrender in the quest for spiritual growth and liberation, highlighting the concept of bhakti as a central tenet of Vaiṣṇava thought.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, a key figure in Neo-Vedānta, often stressed the importance of realizing one's true nature as a means to achieve both personal and universal harmony. This verse from the Rāmāyaṇa can be seen as an illustration of the practical application of this principle. The act of the father seeking permission from the sage before proceeding with his intentions towards his son underscores the value of seeking wisdom and guidance in our actions. This is reflective of Vivekānanda's emphasis on the need for self-reflection and the cultivation of a deeper understanding of our place within the world. In contemporary life, this verse encourages us to approach our decisions and interactions with a sense of humility and openness to wisdom, whether from spiritual leaders, community, or our own introspection. S. Rādhākrishnan, another influential thinker, would likely view this verse as a call to integrate spiritual values into daily life, fostering a more compassionate and thoughtful society.