tathā daśaratho rājā putra-śoka-samanvitaḥ.
“Thus King Daśaratha was overcome with grief for his son.”
Structure
tathā daśaratho rājā putra śoka samanvitaḥ
daśaratho rājā (King Dasharatha) tathā (thus) putra (son) śoka (grief) samanvitaḥ (overwhelmed with)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tathā | tathā | indeclinable | — | thus, in that manner |
| daśaratho | daśaratho | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Daśaratha (the king) |
| rājā | rājā | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | king |
| putra | putra | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | son |
| śoka | śoka | noun | locative · singular · masculine | in grief |
| samanvitaḥ | samanvitaḥ | verb | √sam-anv-i · past participle · third | overwhelmed, beset by |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, tathā daśaratho rājā putra-śoka-samanvitaḥ, illustrates the fundamental non-dual principle of Advaita Vedānta by showcasing the transient nature of worldly attachments. King Daśaratha's overwhelming grief for his son exemplifies the suffering that arises from identification with the ephemeral. Śaṅkarācārya's commentary on the Brahmasūtra (2.1.15) highlights the distinction between the ātman, which is unchanging and eternal, and the body, which is subject to birth, death, and suffering. In this context, Daśaratha's grief serves as a reminder that true freedom from sorrow lies in recognizing the identity of the individual self (ātman) with the ultimate reality (Brahman). By transcending the limitations of worldly relationships, one can attain liberation from the cycle of suffering. This perspective underscores the importance of Self-realization, where the individual ego is surrendered, and the true, unchanging essence of reality is realized.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The emotional turmoil experienced by King Daśaratha upon the loss of his son offers a poignant illustration of the complex interplay between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the supreme Lord) in Vaiṣṇava philosophy. Rāmānujācārya, in his Śrībhāṣya (2.2.42), emphasizes the role of divine grace in mitigating such suffering, suggesting that true solace for the jīva can only be found in devotion to Īśvara. Daśaratha's grief, thus, can be seen as an example of the natural human inclination towards attachment and the consequent suffering that arises from separation. This scenario points to the Vaiṣṇava concept of prapatti, or total surrender to the will of the Lord, as a means to transcend worldly sorrows and find peace in the divine presence. The verse highlights the pathos of human existence and the ultimate remedy in bhakti (devotion) to the Supreme Being.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his discourse on 'The Bhakti-Yoga' from 'The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda', discusses the universality of human emotions such as grief and the potential for emotional experiences to serve as catalysts for spiritual growth. King Daśaratha's profound grief, as depicted in this verse, can be interpreted as an opportunity for introspection and spiritual awakening. It underscores the idea that suffering, when confronted with courage and introspection, can lead to a deeper understanding of the Self and a more profound appreciation for the interconnectedness of all existence. This perspective aligns with Vivekānanda's emphasis on the practical application of Vedāntic principles in everyday life, encouraging individuals to find in their emotional experiences a path to self-realization and universal empathy. By embracing the emotional depths of human experience, one can cultivate a sense of oneness with all, transcending personal sorrows and achieving a state of peace and harmony.