tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgamebhyaḥ sagaraḥ praviveśa yamunām

sagaraḥ (Sagara) tataḥ (then) śvetebhyaḥ (white) plavaṅgamebhyaḥ ( horses) yamunām (into the Yamunā) praviveśa (entered)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In interpreting this verse, Śaṅkarācārya would likely emphasize the non-dual nature of reality. The act of Sagar entering the Yamunā with his white horses can be seen as a metaphor for the individual self (jīva) merging with the ultimate reality (Brahman). The white horses symbolize the purified mind and senses, which are essential for realizing the brahman-ātman identity. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Brahma Sūtra, highlights the importance of self-inquiry and the cultivation of a pure mind to attain this realization. While not directly commenting on this verse, his reasoning on related passages, such as the concept of 'tad vidhi' in the Chāndogya Upaniṣad, underscores the idea that the ultimate reality is beyond the limitations of the material world, and thus, Sagar's entry into the Yamunā signifies a transcendence of the mundane, aiming towards the union with the divine. This verse, through the lens of Advaita Vedānta, points to the eternal, unchanging nature of Brahman, and the potential for the individual to realize this truth through spiritual practice and self-reflection.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): From a Vaiṣṇava perspective, this verse can be seen as illustrating the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Sagar, with his white horses, embodies the devotee who approaches the divine with a purified heart and mind. The act of entering the Yamunā, a river considered sacred, symbolizes the devotee's longing for and surrender to the divine will. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, emphasizes the concept of 'prapatti' or total surrender to the Lord, which is reminiscent of Sagar's action in this verse. This surrender is not merely an act of the individual will but a recognition of one's intrinsic relationship with the Supreme. Madhvācārya, with his emphasis on the difference (bheda) between the Lord and the individual souls, might view Sagar's entry into the Yamunā as an exemplification of the soul's quest for liberation, which is achievable through devotion and the grace of the Lord. Thus, this verse, through Vaiṣṇava eyes, highlights the devotional path to realizing one's true nature and relationship with the divine.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the universal and practical applications of ancient Indian scriptures. Viewing this verse through the lens of Neo-Vedānta, one could interpret Sagar's entry into the Yamunā as a symbol of the individual's journey towards self-discovery and spiritual awakening. The white horses represent the individual's potential for growth and the cultivation of a strong, pure will. Just as Sagar navigates the waters of the Yamunā, the individual must navigate the challenges of life with courage, resilience, and an open heart. Rādhākrishnan, in his philosophical works, discusses the importance of integrating the spiritual dimensions of human existence with the practical aspects of life, suggesting that true fulfillment comes from living a life that is grounded in spiritual principles. This verse, in the context of contemporary life, reminds us of the need to embark on our own journey of self-discovery, to cultivate our inner strengths, and to approach life's challenges with the courage and purity of purpose symbolized by Sagar and his white horses. It encourages a holistic approach to living, where spiritual growth and practical action are intertwined.

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