Tataḥ śvete aśve mahatā vāhinīṁ samupāgamāt

Tataḥ (then) mahatā (by the great one) śvete aśve (on the white horse) vāhinīṁ (the army) samupāgamāt (approached)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In the context of this verse, 'tataḥ śvete 'śve mahatā vāhinīṁ samupāgamāt,' Śaṅkarācārya might interpret the 'great white horses' as symbolic of the pure and powerful forces of the ātman, drawing the individual towards the ultimate reality, Brahman. This interpretation is in line with his non-dualistic (Advaita) perspective, where the distinction between the individual self (jīva) and the universal self (Brahman) is seen as illusory. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Taittirīya Upaniṣad, emphasizes the unity of the ātman and Brahman, stating that the ultimate goal is to realize this unity. In the context of this verse, he might argue that the 'army' represents the collective forces of the universe, all of which are manifestations of Brahman, approaching the individual who is on the path to self-realization. By citing the example of the great white horses, the verse points to the idea that all aspects of the universe are interconnected and ultimately, one with Brahman. This reading underscores the Advaita Vedānta's central theme of non-duality, encouraging the seeker to transcend the limited ego and realize the true, unified Self.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition, as seen through the lenses of Rāmānujācārya and Madhvācārya, offers a devotional reading of this verse. The 'great white horses' can be seen as symbols of purity and strength, characteristics that are often associated with the divine. Rāmānujācārya, in his Vishishtadvaita (qualified non-dualism) philosophy, would likely interpret the 'army' as the manifestation of Īśvara's (the Lord's) divine power, approaching the devotee who has surrendered to the Lord's will. This interpretation emphasizes the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara, where the jīva seeks refuge and guidance from the Lord. Madhvācārya, representing the Dvaita (dualistic) tradition, might view the 'great white horses' as representatives of the divine messengers or the means by which the Lord communicates with and protects the devotees. In this context, the verse signifies the accessibility of the divine, where the devotee is approached by the manifestations of the Lord's grace, underscoring the devotional path to realizing one's connection with the divine.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, a key figure in Neo-Vedānta, might interpret the 'great white horses' in this verse as symbols of the inner strength and purity that every individual possesses. The 'army' approaching can be seen as the collective potential of humanity, which, when harnessed, can lead to great achievements and self-realization. Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the importance of realizing one's inner potential and the universal principles that bind humanity together. He would likely argue that this verse points to the idea that every individual has the capacity to tap into a higher, universal consciousness, leading to personal and societal transformation. Similarly, S. Rādhākrishnan, known for his synthesis of traditional and modern thought, might see this verse as an allegory for the journey of self-discovery, where the 'great white horses' represent the guiding principles of truth, non-violence, and purity. The approaching 'army' would then symbolize the collective march towards a more enlightened and harmonious world, reflecting the universal and practical application of the verse in contemporary life.

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