saptāsyāśva iha praviśya sarvataḥ prāṇāt vibhūtyā athavā sahasrārciṣā

saptāsya āśvaḥ iha sarvataḥ praviśya prāṇāt athavā vibhūtyā sahasrārciṣā

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Mahābhārata, 'saptāsyāśva iha praviśya sarvataḥ prāṇād vibhūtyā athavā sahasrārciṣā', is interpreted by Śaṅkarācārya as an illustration of the non-dual nature of reality. The seven horses are likened to the seven prāṇas or life forces that pervade all existence. The phrase 'prāṇād vibhūtyā' suggests that these life forces are derived from and are an expression of the ultimate reality, Brahman. The 'sahasrārciṣā', or thousand rays, signify the manifold manifestations of this ultimate reality. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Brahmasūtra (particularly in the discussion of Brahman as the material cause of the universe), would likely see this verse as affirming the identity of Brahman and Ātman, where the diverse manifestations of life are ultimately grounded in the unified, non-dual essence of existence.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is seen as a metaphor for the relationship between the jīva (the individual self) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). The 'saptāsyāśva' or seven horses represent the means by which the jīva approaches or understands Īśvara. Rāmānujācārya, in his Viśiṣṭādvaita philosophy, might interpret 'prāṇād vibhūtyā' as indicating that the jīva's approach to Īśvara is facilitated by the grace of the Lord, which is the source of all life and energy. The 'sahasrārciṣā' represent the countless ways in which Īśvara's grace illuminates the path of the jīva, guiding it towards liberation. This verse thus highlights the dependence of the jīva on Īśvara for self-realization and salvation, underscoring the devotional aspect of the Vaiṣṇava tradition.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda would likely interpret this verse as a powerful symbol of the universal potential within every individual. The 'saptāsyāśva' signify the seven faculties or energies that lie within each person, waiting to be harnessed. The phrase 'prāṇād vibhūtyā' suggests that this potential is rooted in the life force that animates all existence, and 'sahasrārciṣā' represents the infinite possibilities that can be realized through the awakening of this inner potential. In his lectures, such as those compiled in 'The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda', Vivekānanda often spoke of the need to recognize and tap into this inner power to achieve personal transformation and contribute to the betterment of society. This verse, thus, becomes a call to self-discovery and the realization of human potential, reflecting the emphasis on practical spirituality and service in Neo-Vedānta thought.

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