tathā lokānujānantī yathārhaṁ tvāṁ prapatsye
“Thus knowing the people's opinion, I shall obtain you as is fit.”
Structure
tathā lokān anujānantī yathā arhaṁ tvām prapatsye
ahaṁ (I) tathā (thus) lokān (the people) anujānantī (following) yathā (as) arhaṁ (you deserve) tvām (you) prapatsye (will obtain)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tathā | tathā | indeclinable | — | in that manner |
| lokān | lokān | noun | accusative · plural · masculine | people, worlds |
| anujānantī | anujānantī | verb | √anujān · laṭ-present · third | following, imitating |
| yathā | yathā | indeclinable | — | as, in the manner that |
| arhaṁ | arhaṁ | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | honor, reverence |
| tvāṁ | tvāṁ | pronoun | accusative · singular | you |
| prapatsye | prapatsye | verb | √pra-pad · liṅ-optative · first | I may obtain |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Rāmāyaṇa underscores the importance of societal recognition in the pursuit of self-realization. According to Śaṅkara, the understanding of 'loka' or the world is crucial in realizing the ultimate truth. The phrase 'tathā lokānujānantī' suggests that one must consider the opinions of others in the journey towards self-discovery. In his commentary on the Brahmasūtra (1.1.1), Śaṅkara emphasizes the role of scriptures and societal norms in understanding the nature of Brahman. This verse points to the idea that the ultimate reality, Brahman, is not just a personal experience but also has a social dimension. The seeker must balance individual pursuit with social awareness, ultimately leading to the realization of the non-dual identity of Brahman and ātman. Śaṅkara's non-dualistic interpretation of this verse highlights the intricate relationship between the individual and society in the pursuit of spiritual knowledge.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is seen as an expression of devotion and surrender. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Gītā (18.66), emphasizes the importance of prapatti or surrender to the divine will. The phrase 'yathārhaṁ tvāṁ prapatsye' suggests a deep sense of devotion and a willingness to submit to the will of the Lord. According to Rāmānuja, the jīva (individual self) must recognize its limitations and surrender to the Īśvara (the Lord), allowing for a deeper understanding of the relationship between the two. This verse highlights the importance of considering the opinions of others (loka) in the context of devotion, suggesting that even societal norms can be a means of expressing one's surrender to the divine. The emphasis is on the personal relationship between the jīva and Īśvara, with the ultimate goal of achieving liberation through devotion and surrender.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda often emphasized the importance of social awareness and service in the pursuit of spiritual growth. This verse can be seen as a call to consider the needs and opinions of others in one's personal journey. In his lecture 'The Absolute and Manifestation' (Complete Works, Vol. 2), Vivekānanda discusses the idea that the ultimate reality is not just a personal experience but also has a universal dimension. The phrase 'tathā lokānujānantī' suggests that one must be aware of the societal context in which they are living. This awareness can lead to a deeper understanding of oneself and the world, ultimately contributing to personal growth and transformation. Rādhākrishnan, in his book 'Indian Philosophy' (Vol. 1), highlights the importance of considering the human condition in philosophical inquiry. This verse can be seen as a reminder of the importance of balancing individual pursuits with social responsibility, leading to a more holistic and inclusive understanding of the self and the world.