tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgamebhyāḥ sañjāyate tat tat vikārebyaḥ

tataḥ (then) śvetebhyaḥ (from white ones) plavaṅgamebhyāḥ (from jumping creatures) tat tat (that particular) vikārebyaḥ (from transformations) sañjāyate (takes place)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, 'tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgamebhyāḥ sañjāyate tattadvikārebyaḥ', underscores the non-dual nature of reality by hinting at the unity of creation. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Brahmasūtra, emphasizes that all diverse creations are manifestations of Brahman, the ultimate reality. Here, the 'white monkeys' symbolize the pure, unadulterated essence of Brahman from which all variations of life emerge, suggesting that despite the pluralistic appearance of the world, there is an underlying singular essence. This aligns with Śaṅkara's concept of 'avidyā' (ignorance) causing the misapprehension of the world as fundamentally plural, while in truth, it is a unified whole. The verse supports the brahman-ātman identity by implying that all creations, including humans, are essentially modifications of the same fundamental substance, pointing towards the ultimate non-duality of the self and the absolute.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava interpreters view this verse through the lens of the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Brahmasūtra, interprets the emergence of various creatures from the 'white monkeys' as an illustration of the dependent nature of all beings on the divine will. The 'white monkeys' can be seen as representatives of the primal, pure state of the jīvas before they undergo various modifications based on their karma, under the oversight of Īśvara. This verse highlights the concept of 'śeṣa-śeṣin' (the lord and the owned), where all creatures, having emanated from a common source, remain inherently connected to and dependent on that source, reflecting the devotional theme of total reliance on the divine. Madhvācārya might further emphasize the real, ontological differences among beings as a result of their various karmas, underscoring the personal, relational aspect of the divine with each jīva.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the universal applicability of Vedāntic principles, might interpret this verse as a call to recognize the inherent unity and diversity of creation. The emergence of 'various creatures' from a common source symbolizes the potential for growth, transformation, and the realization of one's true nature. This verse can be seen as encouraging individuals to transcend superficial differences and strive for a deeper understanding of their interconnectedness. Vivekānanda would likely emphasize the practical application of this principle in achieving social harmony and personal liberation. Similarly, S. Radhakrishnan, focusing on the philosophical implications, would highlight how this verse supports the idea of the world as a complex, interconnected web of life, where every being plays a vital role. He might argue that recognizing and respecting this intricate balance is essential for the well-being of both individuals and society, fostering a sense of global citizenship and cosmic awareness.

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