Tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgamebhyaḥ paryavartata hiraṇmayebhyaḥ

Tataḥ (then) hiraṇmayebhyaḥ (from golden ones) śvetebhyaḥ (from white ones) plavaṅgamebhyaḥ (to jumping/moving ones) paryavartata (turned around/shifted)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Mahābhārata, 'tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgamebhyaḥ paryavartata hiraṇmayebhyaḥ', implies a transition of focus from the external, ephemeral world to the deeper, immutable reality. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Brahmasūtras, emphasizes the concept of 'vairāgya' or detachment as a means to realize the non-dual nature of Brahman. In the context of this verse, turning away from 'white, jumping, and golden' horses can be seen as a metaphor for transcending worldly attachments and desires, symbolized by these horses, to realize the ultimate reality that is beyond all duality. This interpretation aligns with Shankara's reasoning in his exposition of 'nirguṇa Brahman', where he advocates for a direct experience of the Absolute beyond the confines of the material world. By extending this logic to the given verse, one can discern a call towards introspection and a search for the unchanging essence within, underscoring the Advaitic notion of the identity of Brahman and Ātman.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition offers a devotional interpretation of this verse, focusing on the relationship between the jīva (the individual self) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Gītā, highlights the importance of 'prapatti' or surrender to the Lord. In the context of the given verse, the act of turning away from 'white, jumping, and golden' horses can be seen as a symbol of the jīva's surrender of its worldly attachments and inclinations towards the pursuit of spiritual liberation. The 'hiraṇmaye' or golden horses may represent the divine, drawing the jīva towards a path of devotion and service to the Lord. This interpretation aligns with Rāmānuja's emphasis on 'bhakti' as a primary means to achieve spiritual growth and union with the divine. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, might focus on the distinction between the jīva and Īśvara, where the turning away signifies the jīva's recognition of its dependency on the Lord for liberation, highlighting the dualistic perspective of the Dvaita school.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, a key figure in Neo-Vedānta, would likely interpret this verse in terms of its universal and practical application to contemporary life. In his lectures and writings, Vivekānanda emphasizes the importance of balance between the inner and outer life, advocating for a strong, disciplined self that is capable of navigating the challenges of the world while remaining rooted in spiritual principles. The image of turning away from 'white, jumping, and golden' horses could be seen as a call to balance one's external pursuits, represented by these horses, with a deeper, inner quest for meaning and purpose. Vivekānanda's concept of 'man-making' education also comes into play, where the individual is encouraged to cultivate qualities that enable them to contribute positively to society, while not getting entangled in its ephemeral allurements. Similarly, S. Radhakrishnan might view this verse through the lens of his emphasis on the necessity of integrating spiritual values into daily life, seeing the 'turning away' as a metaphor for prioritizing ethical and moral principles in one's actions and decisions, thereby fostering a more harmonious and equitable society.

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