sa ṛṣir vācaḥ śreṣṭhām ṛtasya āntima pādam

sa ṛṣir (that sage) vācaḥ śreṣṭhām (the best of speech) ṛtasya (of the nectar/amrita) āntimam (last/final) pādam (quarter/part)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse embodies the essence of non-dualism by alluding to the ultimate reality, Brahman, through the metaphor of 'amṛtasya āntima pādam', the last part or the culmination of the immortal, which is the Veda. Shankara's commentary on the Brahmasutra (1.1.2) emphasizes that the Veda's purpose is to reveal the identity of Brahman and Ātman, reinforcing the notion that the 'best words' spoken by the Rishi Vyasa point towards this fundamental identity. The phrase 'vācaḥśreṣṭhām' signifies the supreme or most excellent speech, which, according to Shankara, refers to the Upanishadic teachings that unveil the ultimate truth. This verse, therefore, underscores the idea that the pursuit of knowledge, as encapsulated in the Veda, leads to the realization of Brahman-Ātman identity, the cornerstone of Advaita Vedānta. In essence, the verse supports Shankara's reasoning that the Vedic wisdom ultimately guides the seeker to the understanding that the individual self (Ātman) is not separate from the universal reality (Brahman).

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): From a Vaiṣṇava perspective, this verse is interpreted as highlighting the role of the Rishi Vyasa as a mediator between the divine and human realms. The 'best words' or 'vācaḥśreṣṭhām' signify the revelatory knowledge that Vyasa received and conveyed, which emphasizes the grace of Īśvara (the Lord) in revealing the path to liberation. Rāmānujācārya, in his Sri Bhasya, underscores the importance of devotion and surrender to Īśvara, suggesting that the 'amṛtasya āntima pādam' refers to the ultimate goal of attaining immortality or liberation through devotion. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, interprets 'vācaḥśreṣṭhām' as the divine word that distinguishes between the real and the unreal, guiding the jīva (individual soul) towards Īśvara. Thus, this verse is seen as affirming the devotional path, where the relationship between the jīva and Īśvara is central, and the 'best words' of the Veda serve as a means to realize this relationship and achieve liberation.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse offers a profound message for contemporary life by highlighting the importance of seeking and understanding the deepest and most universal truths. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Upanishads, often emphasized the need to go beyond the literal meaning of the scriptures and to seek the underlying, universal principles that apply to all human beings. The 'amṛtasya āntima pādam' can be seen as symbolizing the eternal and transcendent aspect of human nature, which is the ultimate goal of spiritual pursuit. S. Radhakrishnan, in his exposition of Indian philosophy, notes that the Veda's ultimate message is one of unity and inclusiveness, pointing to a universal reality that underlies all existence. Thus, this verse can be interpreted as encouraging individuals to embrace a broader, more inclusive perspective that recognizes the interconnectedness of all things and seeks the highest, most universal truths. This universal and practical application resonates with contemporary values of global understanding, peace, and the pursuit of wisdom that transcends boundaries.

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