atha rājā tad āgatyā pitṛvat putram abravīt
“Then the king, like a father, coming there, spoke to his son.”
Structure
atha rājā tad āgatyā pitṛvat putram abravīt
atha rājā āgatyā tad pitṛvat putram abravīt
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| atha | atha | indeclinable | — | then, now |
| rājā | rājā | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | king |
| tad | tad | indeclinable | — | thereupon, then |
| āgatyā | āgatyā | indeclinable | — | having come, on arriving |
| pitṛvat | pitṛvat | compound | karmadhāraya · "pitṛ-vat" | like a father |
| putram | putram | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | son |
| abravīt | abravīt | verb | √brū · past · third | he spoke |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse exemplifies the non-dual relationship between the king and his son, mirroring the brahman-ātman identity. Shankara's commentary on the Brahmasūtra (1.1.5) highlights the notion of 'tadvanaṃ tadvanaḥ' or 'his own self,' suggesting that the ultimate reality, Brahman, is the essence of all beings. In this context, the king's paternal affection towards his son underscores the unity and interconnectedness of all beings, transcending worldly distinctions. The phrase 'pitṛvat putram abravīt' (spoke to his son like a father) signifies the king's selfless and unconditional love, which is a reflection of the infinite and all-encompassing nature of Brahman. By embracing this non-dual perspective, the verse encourages the seeker to realize their true identity as the ultimate reality, unencumbered by worldly limitations.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): This verse illustrates the loving relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Lord), as exemplified by the king's affection towards his son. Rāmānujācārya, in his Śrībhāṣya (2.2.46), emphasizes the importance of bhakti (devotion) in bridging the gap between the individual self and the ultimate reality. The king's paternal love serves as a metaphor for Īśvara's benevolent and guiding presence in the life of the jīva. The phrase 'pitṛvat putram abravīt' underscores the intimate and personal nature of this relationship, where the jīva is seen as a dependant and cherished entity, deserving of Īśvara's care and protection. This verse thus highlights the central theme of Vaiṣṇavism: the cultivation of devotion and self-surrender to attain union with the divine.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse offers a powerful message about the universal and eternal nature of love and compassion. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lecture 'The Message of Vedanta' (Complete Works, 3:243), emphasizes the importance of recognizing the inherent divinity in every being, citing the Upaniṣadic concept of 'tat tvam asi' (that thou art). The king's paternal affection towards his son symbolizes the boundless and unconditional love that underlies all human relationships. By embracing this perspective, we can transcend the limitations of our individual egos and experience a deeper sense of unity and interconnectedness with the world around us. In contemporary life, this verse serves as a reminder of the need to cultivate empathy, compassion, and understanding in our personal and social relationships, ultimately leading to a more harmonious and just society.