na - tvā - aham - ekaḥ - śakemi - nānālaṅkārais - vinā

aham (I) tvā (you) ekaḥ (alone) śakemi (can) nānālaṅkārais (with various ornaments) vinā (without) na (not)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): The verse 'na tvāham ekaḥ śakemi nānālaṅkārair vinā' underscores the limitation of the individual self when unadorned by the various attributes that ultimately point to the unified, all-encompassing Brahman. According to Shankara's non-dualistic interpretation, the individual's (jīva) inability to attract or comprehend the ultimate reality without the aid of multiple ornaments (nānālaṅkāra) signifies the illusory nature of duality. This verse can be seen as an allegory for the jīva's quest for self-realization, where the ornaments represent the various disciplines and knowledge (vidyā) that facilitate the understanding of Brahman. Shankara's commentary on the Brahma Sutras emphasizes the importance of realizing the identity of the individual self (ātman) with the ultimate reality (Brahman), a concept resonating with this verse, as it highlights the futility of seeking truth through isolated, individual effort without embracing the multifaceted nature of knowledge that leads to the comprehension of the non-dual Brahman.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava perspective, the verse 'na tvāham ekaḥ śakemi nānālaṅkārair vinā' can be seen as an expression of the jīva's inherent dependence on Īśvara (the Supreme Lord) for liberation and true realization. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, emphasizes the role of divine grace and the necessity of devotion (bhakti) as the ornaments (laṅkāra) that adorn the jīva, enabling it to approach Īśvara. This verse thus underscores the devotional path, where the individual recognizes their limitations and seeks to adorn themselves with virtues and devotion, acknowledging their inability to reach the divine without such ornaments. Madhvācārya, while differing in emphasis, also highlights the importance of recognizing one's dependence on the Supreme Being, underscoring the verse's implication that true realization and approach to the divine are facilitated by the adornments of devotion and knowledge imparted by Īśvara.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda's interpretation of this verse would likely emphasize the empowerment of the individual through self-realization and the recognition of one's inner potential. 'Na tvāham ekaḥ śakemi nānālaṅkārair vinā' can be seen as a call to adorn oneself with the virtues of compassion, wisdom, and courage, which are essential for achieving success and fulfillment in life. In his lectures and writings, Vivekānanda often stressed the importance of combining spiritual growth with practical action, suggesting that the 'ornaments' referred to in the verse could symbolize the various disciplines and practices (such as meditation and service to others) that help the individual realize their true nature and potential. S. Rādhākrishnan, in a similar vein, would likely interpret this verse in the context of contemporary life, emphasizing the need for individuals to cultivate a broad range of qualities and skills to navigate the complexities of modern existence and to find personal and collective fulfillment, thereby underscoring the universal relevance of the ancient Sanskrit wisdom.

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