paramātmā ca idam ātmānam vettha tvam puruṣottamaḥ

tvam (you) puruṣottamaḥ (the Supreme Being) vettha (know) paramātmā (the ultimate reality) ca (and) idam (this) ātmānam (Self)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, Shankara interprets this verse as an affirmation of the non-dual nature of reality. He argues that the term 'paramātmā' refers to the ultimate reality, Brahman, which is beyond all distinctions. The phrase 'vettha tvaṁ' implies a direct knowledge of this reality, unmediated by the limitations of the individual self. Shankara's reasoning on this verse is closely tied to his exposition of the identity of Brahman and ātman, as expressed in the Upaniṣads. This verse, in Shankara's view, underscores the idea that the ultimate goal of human existence is to realize this identity, thereby transcending the boundaries of the individual ego. By knowing the ātman, one knows the paramātmā, and thus, achieves liberation. This interpretation is consistent with Shankara's non-dualistic philosophy, where the distinctions between the individual self and the ultimate reality are ultimately sublated.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, sees this verse as an expression of the intimate relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Lord). He interprets 'paramātmā' as a reference to the personal deity, Viṣṇu, who is the inner guiding principle of all beings. The phrase 'ca idam ātmānam vettha' suggests that the jīva has a direct, though imperfect, knowledge of its own nature, and through devotion and surrender to Īśvara, can attain a fuller understanding of its true identity. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, emphasizes the distinction between the jīva and Īśvara, arguing that the knowledge of the ātman is a gift of Īśvara's grace. Both Rāmānuja and Madhva see this verse as underscoring the importance of bhakti, or devotion, as a means of realizing one's true nature and attaining liberation. The verse is thus central to the Vaiṣṇava tradition's emphasis on the personal relationship between the devotee and the deity.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Bhagavad Gītā, brings out the universal and practical application of this verse. He interprets 'paramātmā' as the universal Self, which is the ultimate reality underlying all existence. The phrase 'vettha tvaṁ' implies a call to self-awareness, to realize one's true nature as a spark of this universal Self. Vivekānanda argues that this realization is not merely a matter of intellectual understanding, but a direct, intuitive experience that can be cultivated through meditation and self-discipline. S. Radhakrishnan, in his writings on the Bhagavad Gītā, similarly emphasizes the importance of this verse in highlighting the universal principles of Hindu philosophy. He sees the verse as an exhortation to move beyond the limitations of the ego and to realize one's true identity as a part of the larger cosmic whole. Both Vivekānanda and Radhakrishnan connect this verse to contemporary life, arguing that its message of self-awareness and universal unity is essential for addressing the challenges of modern society.

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