atha rājā tada dṛṣṭvā putraṁ dṛṣṭvā mahābalam.
“Then the king saw his son and saw his great strength.”
Structure
atha - rājā - tada - dṛṣṭvā - putraṁ - dṛṣṭvā - mahābalam
rājā (king) tada (then) atha (thereafter) dṛṣṭvā (having seen) putraṁ (son) dṛṣṭvā (having seen) mahābalam (the mighty one)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| atha | atha | indeclinable | — | then, now |
| rājā | rājā | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | king |
| tada | tada | indeclinable | — | then |
| dṛṣṭvā | dṛṣṭvā | verb | √dṛś · past participle · third | having seen |
| putraṁ | putraṁ | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | son |
| dṛṣṭvā | dṛṣṭvā | verb | √dṛś · past participle · third | having seen |
| mahābalam | mahābalam | compound | tatpuruṣa · "mahat balam" | the great strength |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Rāmāyaṇa illustrates the non-dual nature of reality, where the king's perception of his son's strength serves as a metaphor for the individual self (jīva) recognizing its true nature as the ultimate reality (Brahman). Ādi Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Brahmasūtra, emphasizes the importance of direct experience (anubhava) in realizing this identity. Here, the king's direct observation of his son symbolizes the immediate awareness of one's true self, unmediated by external factors. The phrase 'mahābalam' (great strength) signifies the intrinsic power of the ātman, which is veilless and all-pervading. This verse, thus, underscores the Advaita doctrine of brahman-ātman identity, where the individual self, upon recognizing its true nature, transcends the limitations of the empirical world.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava interpretation of this verse focuses on the loving relationship between the king (representing the Supreme Lord, Īśvara) and his son (symbolizing the individual soul, jīva). Rāmānujācārya, in his Sri Bhashya, highlights the significance of bhakti (devotion) in bridging the gap between the jīva and Īśvara. The king's affectionate gaze upon his son exemplifies the Lord's benevolent regard for his devotees. The 'mahābalam' (great strength) of the son represents the inherent potential of the jīva, which can be actualized through surrender to the will of Īśvara. This verse, therefore, underscores the Vaiṣṇava emphasis on the importance of devotion and self-surrender in achieving spiritual liberation.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Rāmāyaṇa, draws attention to the universal significance of this verse, where the king's perception of his son's strength serves as a metaphor for the human potential for self-realization. The 'mahābalam' (great strength) of the son represents the innate power of the human spirit, which can be unleashed through self-awareness and determination. This verse, thus, has practical implications for contemporary life, where individuals can tap into their inner reservoir of strength to overcome challenges and achieve their goals. S. Rādhākrishnan, in his writings on Indian philosophy, also emphasizes the importance of recognizing and cultivating human potential, which is in line with the message of this verse. By applying the insights from this verse, individuals can lead more fulfilling and purpose-driven lives.