yacca + evānaṁ + ṛkṣarājo + jagāma + cā + agrataḥ . paśya + me + pārśve + rathaṁ + sthitasya + drutam

ṛkṣarājo (the king of bears) ca (and) evānaṁ (unto him) agrataḥ (before) jagāma (came) . tvam (you) me (my) pārśve (side) rathaṁ (chariot) sthitasya (while standing) drutam (quickly) paśya (see)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In this verse, yaccaivānaṁ ṛkṣarājo jagāma cāgrataḥ, Shankara's commentary highlights the non-dual nature of reality. He interprets the King of bears as a symbol of the ego or the individual self (jiva), which is ultimately an illusion (Maya). The chariot, stationed on the side, represents the witness consciousness, which is the true Self (Atman). Shankara's reasoning, as seen in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, emphasizes that the verse points to the identity of Brahman and Atman, where the individual self (jiva) recognizes its true nature as the ultimate reality (Brahman). This recognition dissolves the illusion of duality, and the individual self merges with the universal Self. Shankara's non-dual reading of this verse underscores the idea that the ultimate reality is beyond all distinctions and dualities, and that the individual self must transcend its limited consciousness to realize its true nature as Brahman.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is seen as a demonstration of the Lord's omnipotence and the devotee's surrender. Ramanuja interprets the King of bears as a symbol of the devotee's ego, which must be surrendered to the Lord. The chariot, stationed on the side, represents the Lord's mercy and grace, which is always available to the devotee. According to Ramanuja's commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, the verse highlights the relationship between the jiva (individual self) and Isvara (the Lord), where the jiva must recognize its dependence on Isvara and surrender to His will. Madhva, on the other hand, emphasizes the distinction between the Lord and the devotee, highlighting the Lord's supremacy and the devotee's duty to worship and surrender to Him. In both interpretations, the verse is seen as a call to devotion and surrender, where the devotee must recognize the Lord's power and mercy, and surrender their ego and individual will to Him.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekananda interprets this verse as a symbol of the individual's journey towards self-realization. The King of bears represents the individual's lower nature, which must be transcended in order to realize one's true potential. The chariot, stationed on the side, represents the instrument of the mind, which must be used to achieve spiritual growth and self-realization. In his lecture 'The Powers of the Mind', Vivekananda emphasizes the importance of recognizing and transcending the limitations of the individual self, in order to realize one's true nature as a spark of the divine. Similarly, S. Radhakrishnan sees this verse as a call to universal brotherhood and cooperation, where individuals must recognize their shared humanity and work together to achieve common goals. In his book 'The Gospel of Sri Ramakrishna', Radhakrishnan highlights the importance of practical spirituality, where individuals must apply the principles of spirituality to their daily lives, in order to achieve lasting peace and harmony. Both interpretations emphasize the universal and practical application of this verse, highlighting its relevance to contemporary life and the human condition.

More from this source