tataḥ śvetavrajā ghorā astrī śatāni sapta ca

tataḥ (then) śvetavrajā (robed in white) ghorā (fierce) astrī (female archer) sapta (seven) ca (and) śatāni (hundreds)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, tataḥ śvetavrajā ghorāstri śatāni sapta ca, symbolically represents the manifold manifestations of the ultimate reality, Brahman. The 'terrible white goats' can be seen as a metaphor for the various forms of ignorance or avidyā that obscure the true nature of the Self (ātman). The 'hundreds and seventy' signify the numerous ways in which this ignorance presents itself, yet they are all ultimately reducible to the unified field of consciousness. Shankara's commentary on the Brahma Sutras (particularly 1.1.3) emphasizes that the ultimate goal is to realize the non-dual nature of reality, where the distinctions and multiplicities are transcended, and the identity of Brahman and ātman is directly experienced. Thus, this verse points to the necessity of pierced perception, beyond the veils of ignorance, to attain the knowledge of the ultimate truth.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the context of this verse, the 'terrible white goats' by the 'hundreds and seventy' can be seen as symbolic of the innumerable challenges and forces of nature that the devotee must confront on the path to union with the divine. For Rāmānujācārya, these forces represent the prārabdha karma that the jīva must work through, under the guidance of Īśvara, to attain liberation. Madhvācārya, in his commentary on the Mahābhārata (specifically, his interpretation of the narrative sections), emphasizes the role of divine grace in overcoming these challenges. The verse can thus be seen as a call to devotion and surrender to the will of Īśvara, recognizing that the ultimate victory over the forces of ignorance and adversity is possible only through His grace and the devotee's unwavering commitment to the path of bhakti.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the universal and practical application of ancient Indian wisdom. This verse, tataḥ śvetavrajā ghorāstri śatāni sapta ca, can be interpreted in the context of contemporary life as a reminder of the numerous internal and external challenges that an individual faces. The 'terrible white goats' can represent the conflicting desires, fears, and ignorance that hinder personal growth and self-realization. Vivekānanda, in his speech 'The Ideal of a Universal Religion,' advocated for the cultivation of strength, courage, and wisdom to overcome these challenges, not through avoidance but through confrontation and understanding. Similarly, S. Rādhākrishnan, in his philosophical writings, highlighted the importance of integrating spiritual insights into daily life, suggesting that the struggle with the 'goats' is, in fact, an opportunity for self-discovery and the realization of one's true potential, leading to a more harmonious and balanced life.

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