tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgamebhyaḥ sumahāvibhyāḥ

tataḥ (then) śvetebhyaḥ (from white ones) plavaṅgamebhyaḥ (to jumping ones) sumahā-vibhyāḥ (with great splendor/shining greatly)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgamebhyaḥ sumahāvibhyāḥ, when analyzed through the lens of non-dualism, hints at the ultimate reality beyond the distinctions of the physical world. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Brahma Sūtras, emphasizes the importance of understanding the absolute (Brahman) as the sole reality. The mention of 'white monkeys with huge bodies' can be seen as a metaphor for the various manifestations of Maya, which veil the true nature of the self (Ātman). The 'whiteness' may symbolize purity and the 'huge bodies' the grandeur of these manifestations, yet, they are ultimately illusory. This interpretation aligns with Śaṅkarācārya's reasoning in his commentary on the Taittiriya Upanishad, where he discusses the illusion of the world (Prapanca) and the real nature of Brahman. Thus, this verse points towards the Brahman-Ātman identity by hinting at the illusory nature of the world and inviting the seeker to look beyond these manifestations to discover the true, unchanging reality. Śaṅkarācārya's non-dualistic approach encourages the contemplation of such verses to transcend the limitations of the mundane and realize the unity of all existence.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse could be interpreted as an allegory for the devotees' approach to the divine. The 'white monkeys with huge bodies' might symbolize the powerful and pure devotees of Īśvara (the Supreme Lord), who are instrumental in the journey of the jīva (the individual soul) towards liberation. Rāmānujācārya, in his Vishishtadvaita philosophy, would likely view this as an example of the Lord's grace, where through devotion (bhakti) and the company of great devotees, one can overcome the limitations of the material world. The 'whiteness' could represent the purity of intention and the 'huge bodies' the grandeur of their devotion, which ultimately leads the jīva to Īśvara. This reading is aligned with Rāmānujācārya's commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, where he emphasizes the path of devotion (bhakti-yoga) as a means to realize the loving relationship between the jīva and Īśvara. Thus, this verse, in a Vaiṣṇava context, underscores the importance of devotion and the company of the devout in the spiritual journey.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, a key figure in Neo-Vedānta, would likely approach this verse with an emphasis on its universal and practical application. He might see the 'white monkeys with huge bodies' as a symbol for the potential within each individual to achieve greatness through self-effort and purity of intention. Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often spoke about the need to overcome one's limitations and to strive for the realization of one's true potential. This verse, in the context of contemporary life, could be seen as an encouragement to cultivate inner purity and strength, symbolized by 'whiteness' and 'huge bodies', respectively. This reading is in line with Vivekānanda's message of self-empowerment and the universal potential for spiritual growth, as expressed in his speeches in the West, where he emphasized the importance of individual effort in realizing one's true nature. Rādhākrishnan, building on this, might further explore the philosophical underpinnings, suggesting that such a realization leads to a deeper understanding of human existence and the world, prompting a more harmonious and enlightened way of living.

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