athaced vāg-viṣayaḥ śrutvā sadyaḥ prērayet sakalān
“And if having heard the subject of speech he would immediately instigate all”
Structure
athacet vāg-viṣayaḥ śrutvā sadyaḥ prērayet sakalān
athacet (if then) vāg-viṣayaḥ (the subject of speech) śrutvā (having heard) sadyaḥ (immediately) sakalān (all) prērayet (should impel)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| athacet | athacet | indeclinable | — | or else, otherwise |
| vāg-viṣayaḥ | vāg-viṣayaḥ | compound | tatpuruṣa · "vāg-viṣayaḥ = vācāṃ viṣayaḥ" | the subject of speech, speech matter |
| śrutvā | śrutvā | indeclinable | — | having heard |
| sadyaḥ | sadyaḥ | indeclinable | — | immediately, at once |
| prērayet | prērayet | verb | √prī · liṅ-optative · third | he should inspire, incite |
| sakalān | sakalān | noun | accusative · plural · masculine | all, everything |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Rāmāyaṇa points to the non-dual nature of reality, where the ultimate truth, Brahman, is beyond the realm of speech and duality. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Brahma Sūtras, emphasizes that the ultimate goal is to realize the identity of Brahman and Ātman. In the context of this verse, the phrase 'vāg-viṣayaḥ' (the subject of speech) refers to the limited and fleeting nature of worldly knowledge, which can never fully grasp the ultimate reality. The immediate instigation of all (sakalān) towards the truth is a call to transcend the bounds of linguistic and cognitive limitations, to realize the unity of existence. Śaṅkarācārya's reasoning, as seen in his commentary on the Taittirīya Upaniṣad, highlights the importance of introspection and self-inquiry to attain this realization, underscoring the verse's message of seeking beyond the confines of speech and worldly understanding.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition offers a devotional reading of this verse, emphasizing the relationship between the individual self (jīva) and the Supreme Lord (Īśvara). Rāmānujācārya, in his Śrī Bhāṣya, interprets the verse as a call to devotion, where the subject of speech (vāg-viṣayaḥ) is the divine name or the scriptures that reveal the Lord's nature. The immediate instigation of all (sakalān) is seen as a universal call to surrender to the Lord, recognizing His sovereignty and grace. This perspective underscores the importance of bhakti (devotion) as a means to attain liberation, highlighting the personal relationship between the devotee and the Lord. Madhvācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, further emphasizes the role of faith and self-surrender in realizing this relationship, illustrating the verse's relevance to the Vaiṣṇava path of devotion.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse can be seen as a call to action, inspiring individuals to strive for a higher understanding and unity. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the importance of practical application of spiritual principles in everyday life. He would interpret 'vāg-viṣayaḥ' as the realm of ideas and knowledge that can inspire and motivate individuals to work towards the betterment of society. The immediate instigation of all (sakalān) represents the potential for collective action and positive change when individuals are inspired by a higher ideal. S. Radhakrishnan, in his philosophical works, highlights the universal relevance of such verses, pointing out that they transcend sectarian boundaries and speak to fundamental human aspirations for unity, peace, and self-realization. This perspective underscores the contemporary relevance of the verse, inviting individuals to reflect on their role in instigating positive change in the world, inspired by the universal principles of spirituality and humanism.