sa dhārmikāṃstān dṛṣṭvā tān putrān kīrtayan pitā .
“The father, having seen those sons to be pious, was praising them.”
Structure
sa dhārmikān tān dṛṣṭvā tān putrān kīrtayan pitā
pitā (father) sa (that) dhārmikān (righteous) tān (those) putrān (sons) dṛṣṭvā (having seen) tān (those) kīrtayan (praising) eva (indeed)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| sa | sa | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | he |
| dhārmikān | dhārmikān | noun | accusative · plural · masculine | the righteous ones |
| tān | tān | pronoun | accusative · plural · masculine | them |
| dṛṣṭvā | dṛṣṭvā | indeclinable | — | having seen |
| tān | tān | pronoun | accusative · plural · masculine | them |
| putrān | putrān | noun | accusative · plural · masculine | sons |
| kīrtayan | kīrtayan | verb | √kīrt · laṭ-present · first | praising |
| pitā | pitā | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | father |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse highlights the non-dual nature of reality, where the Ultimate Reality, Brahman, is reflected in the individual selves, ātman. Shankara's commentary on the Taittiriya Upanishad emphasizes that the realization of the ātman's true nature is essential for liberation. In the context of this verse, the father's praise of his pious sons symbolizes the recognition of the inherent goodness and divinity within all beings, ultimately pointing to the brahman-ātman identity. As Shankara notes in his Brahma Sutra Bhashya, the removal of ignorance (avidyā) reveals the true nature of the Self, which is akin to the father's recognition of his sons' piety. This understanding encourages the seeker to look beyond the superficial differences and realize the underlying unity of all existence, leading to a deeper appreciation of the non-dual reality.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is seen as an illustration of the loving relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his Śrī Bhāshya, emphasizes the importance of bhakti (devotion) in realizing one's true nature and relationship with the Divine. The father's praise of his sons represents the Lord's affection for his devotees, who have cultivated virtues and pious qualities. This verse highlights the significance of cultivating a personal relationship with the Divine, where the individual self, through devotion and selfless actions, earns the Lord's praise and love. Madhvācārya, in his commentaries, would likely emphasize the distinction between the jīva and Īśvara, while still acknowledging the loving and gracious nature of the Supreme Lord, as exemplified by the father's praise of his pious sons.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse offers a powerful message for contemporary life, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and cultivating the inherent goodness and potential within individuals. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often stressed the need to look beyond superficial differences and recognize the common humanity that unites us all. The father's praise of his pious sons serves as a reminder to appreciate and encourage the positive qualities in others, rather than focusing on their limitations. As Radhakrishnan notes in his book 'The Hindu View of Life', the goal of human life is to realize one's true nature and potential, which is rooted in the universal values of compassion, empathy, and selfless service. This verse encourages us to adopt a more positive and inclusive approach to life, where we recognize and nurture the goodness in others, ultimately contributing to a more harmonious and equitable society.