tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgebhya ākaṛṇayāmāsa saḥ

saḥ tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgebhya ākaṛṇayāmāsa (He then to the white monkeys, caused to be brought)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Mahābhārata, tataḥ śvetebhyaḥ plavaṅgebhya ākaṛṇayāmāsa saḥ, can be seen through the lens of Advaita Vedānta as an allegory for the illusory nature of the world. Śaṅkarācārya might interpret the 'white monkeys that could jump' as symbols of the mind's ability to jump between various thoughts and perceptions, which are ultimately ephemeral and unreal. The targets on their ears could represent the distractions and desires that divert the mind from realizing its true nature, which is the Ātman, or the ultimate reality of Brahman. This interpretation aligns with Śaṅkara's commentary on the Brahma Sūtras, where he discusses the distinction between the ultimate reality (Brahman) and the phenomenal world, emphasizing the need for self-inquiry to understand the non-dual nature of reality. By extension, this verse could be seen as a reminder of the futility of pursuing worldly distractions and the importance of focusing on the realization of the self, thereby achieving liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): From a Vaiṣṇava perspective, this verse can be understood as an illustration of the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Lord). The 'white monkeys' might symbolize the jīvas, which, despite their innate purity, are prone to distractions and deviations from their true path. The act of Drona making these monkeys as targets could be seen as a metaphor for the divine plan, where the Lord guides the jīvas through various tests and challenges to ultimately lead them back to Himself. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, emphasizes the doctrine of prapatti, or total surrender to the Lord, as the means to achieve liberation. This verse could thus be interpreted as highlighting the importance of recognizing one's limitations and surrendering to the divine will, trusting in the Lord's infinite mercy and guidance. This surrender allows the jīva to transcend its conditioned state and attain union with Īśvara.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, a proponent of Neo-Vedānta, might view this verse as a call to self-reflection and the realization of one's inner potential. The 'monkeys' could represent the restless and easily distracted nature of the human mind, while the act of 'making them out of white monkeys that could jump' symbolizes the human capacity for self-transformation and growth. Vivekānanda, in his lectures on Practical Vedānta, emphasizes the importance of self-control and the cultivation of inner strength as the foundation for achieving one's goals and realizing one's true nature. This verse, in a contemporary context, can be seen as a reminder of the power of positive transformation and the importance of setting clear goals (symbolized by the targets) for personal development. It underscores the idea that by focusing on our inner growth and self-discipline, we can overcome distractions and achieve our full potential, leading to a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

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