tataḥ śāstrāṇi mahate vṛṇīmaha ity udāhṛtya vacanam idam uktavantau

tataḥ (then) śāstrāṇi (scriptures) mahate (for the great one) vṛṇīmaha (we choose) ity (thus) udāhṛtya (having cited) vacanam (speech) idam (this) uktavantau (having spoken)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Mahābhārata, 'tataḥ śāstrāṇi mahate vṛṇīmaha ityudāhṛtya vacanamidaṃ uktavantau', implies a profound non-dualistic understanding. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Brahmasūtras, often emphasizes the importance of śāstras in guiding us towards the ultimate reality, Brahman. Here, the choice for the great one, as guided by the śāstra, signifies the pursuit of knowledge that leads to the realization of the ātman-Brahman identity. This verse can be seen as an encouragement to seek wisdom from authoritative texts and teachers, ultimately leading to the understanding that the individual self (jīva) is not separate from the universal self (Brahman). The act of choosing, as mentioned, is a call to move beyond the limitations of the mundane and striving for the realization of the supreme reality. Shankara's reasoning in similar contexts underscores the importance of scriptural guidance in this spiritual journey, highlighting the path to self-realization as one of knowledge and detachment from worldly attachments.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition interprets this verse with a focus on the devotional aspect and the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Brahmasūtras, emphasizes the concept of prapatti, or total surrender to the Lord, as a means to achieve liberation. The act of choosing the great one, as mentioned in the verse, can be seen as an act of prapatti, where the individual, guided by the śāstras, surrenders to the will of the Lord. This surrender is not just an act of resignation but an active engagement with the divine, recognizing one's dependence on Īśvara for liberation. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, might interpret the 'great one' as referring to Viṣṇu, the Supreme Lord in the Vaiṣṇava tradition, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and worshiping the Lord as the ultimate goal. Both Rāmānuja and Madhva would likely see this verse as underscoring the importance of faith and devotion in achieving spiritual liberation.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse can be interpreted in the context of modern life as a call to seek higher knowledge and wisdom. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the importance of realizing one's true potential and striving for spiritual growth. The 'great one' can be seen as a symbol of this higher self or the ultimate reality that each individual strives for. The act of choosing, guided by the śāstra, represents the process of self-discovery and the pursuit of knowledge that leads to liberation. Vivekānanda would likely encourage individuals to look beyond mundane worldly attachments and strive for a more profound understanding of themselves and the universe, echoing the message of this verse. Similarly, S. Rādhākrishnan, in his philosophical works, discusses the universal principles that underlie all existence, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and living in accordance with these principles for a harmonious and fulfilling life. This verse, in a modern context, serves as a reminder of the importance of striving for excellence and wisdom, guided by the timeless principles found in the śāstras.

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