tayostu mahatoḥ śokaḥ saṃvṛttaḥ janakasya ca
“And grief settled in the hearts of those two great ones and also in that of Janaka.”
Structure
tayoh tu mahatoḥ śokaḥ saṃvṛttaḥ janakasya ca
janakasya ca tayoh tu mahatoḥ śokaḥ saṃvṛttaḥ
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| tayoh | tayoh | pronoun | genitive · dual · masculine | of those two |
| tu | tu | indeclinable | — | indeed, surely |
| mahatoḥ | mahatoḥ | adjective | — | of the great ones |
| śokaḥ | śokaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | grief |
| saṃvṛttaḥ | saṃvṛttaḥ | verb | √vṛt · past participle · third | has occurred, has befallen |
| janakasya | janakasya | noun | genitive · singular · masculine | of Janaka |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, Shankaracharya emphasizes the non-dual nature of reality. Although he doesn't directly comment on this verse, the sentiment expressed here aligns with his views on the fleeting nature of worldly attachments. The grief mentioned in the verse is a product of ignorance (avidyā) about the true nature of the self (ātman). The 'two great ones' referred to, and Janaka, are all essentially brahman, the ultimate reality. Their grief is a manifestation of their identification with the ephemeral world, rather than their true, unchanging essence. This verse points to the brahman-ātman identity by highlighting the impermanence of worldly emotions and the importance of recognizing one's true nature beyond such fluctuations.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya): Ramanuja's perspective would likely view this verse through the lens of the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (God). The grief experienced by the 'two great ones' and Janaka is an example of the natural affection and attachment that exists among beings, reflecting the inherent dependence of the jīva on Īśvara. This dependency is rooted in the concept of prapatti, or surrender, where the individual recognizes their limitations and seeks refuge in the divine. This verse underscores the emotional and existential bonds that tie individuals together, as well as their ultimate reliance on a higher power, echoing the Vaiṣṇava emphasis on bhakti (devotion) as the path to liberation.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda): Swami Vivekananda often spoke about the universality of human experience and the importance of recognizing the divine in every being. This verse, with its depiction of grief as a common denominator among great and ordinary individuals alike, resonates with Vivekananda's message of oneness and compassion. In his lectures, he emphasized the need to look beyond external differences and to recognize the shared human experience as a foundation for empathy and understanding. The practical application of this verse in contemporary life would involve cultivating a sense of solidarity and shared humanity, recognizing that grief and joy are universal emotions that transcend individual and cultural boundaries. By embracing this understanding, one can work towards a more harmonious and compassionate society.