tato lakṣmaṇamūlena dṛṣṭvā visrastāṃ ca sītāṃ ca ।
“Then seeing Sītā to be careless and looking at Lakṣmaṇa.”
Structure
tato lakṣmaṇam ūlena dṛṣṭvā visrastāṃ ca sītāṃ ca
tato (then) lakṣmaṇam (Lakshmana) ūlena (by the root/ Lakshmana's root) dṛṣṭvā (having seen) ca (and) visrastāṃ (having abandoned) sītāṃ (Sita) ca (and)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tato | tato | indeclinable | — | then, thereafter |
| lakṣmaṇam | lakṣmaṇam | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | Lakṣmaṇa |
| ūlena | ūlena | noun | instrumental · singular · masculine | by the help of |
| dṛṣṭvā | dṛṣṭvā | indeclinable | — | having seen |
| visrastāṃ | visrastāṃ | noun | accusative · singular · feminine | having fallen from or separated |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| sītāṃ | sītāṃ | noun | accusative · singular · feminine | Sītā |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In this verse, the non-dual reading can be applied by understanding the careless nature of Sītā and Lakṣmaṇa as a representation of the individual self's (jīva) tendencies to be absorbed in worldly matters, thereby forgetting their true identity as brahman-ātman. Shankara, in his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, emphasizes the importance of recognizing the ultimate reality beyond the ephemeral world. Here, Rāma's observation of Sītā and Lakṣmaṇa serves as a metaphor for the witness consciousness (sākṣī) that observes the flux of worldly events without being entangled in them, pointing to the brahman-ātman identity. This perspective encourages the seeker to cultivate a similar detachment, ultimately realizing the unity of the individual self with the universal consciousness.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): This verse is significant in the Vaiṣṇava tradition as it highlights the dependency and relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his Śrī Bhāṣya, discusses the concept of 'prapatti' or total surrender, which is exemplified by Sītā's and Lakṣmaṇa's reliance on Rāma. The careless nature of Sītā and the watchful gaze of Rāma upon her symbolize the protective and compassionate nature of the Lord towards his devotees. This verse underscores the importance of cultivating a devotional attitude, recognizing the Lord's omnipresence and providence, and surrendering one's will to Him. Through such devotion, the individual self can experience the bliss of being in the Lord's presence, much like Sītā under Rāma's care.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the 'Universal Religion,' emphasizes the universal and practical application of such verses. He notes that the careless and distracted state of Sītā and Lakṣmaṇa represents the common human tendency to be absorbed in the external world, losing sight of one's inner strength and purpose. This verse can be seen as a call to introspection and self-awareness, encouraging individuals to recognize their inherent potential and strive for a higher state of consciousness. Radhakrishnan, in his book 'The Bhagavadgītā,' discusses the concept of 'sthita-prajña,' or the person of steady wisdom, who remains unmoved by the vicissitudes of life. This verse can serve as a reminder to cultivate such wisdom, to be watchful and mindful, and to strive for a state of inner peace and unity, just as Rāma remains vigilant and protective of those under his care.