na - tvā - aham - ekaḥ - śakto - mayi - sarvam - idaṃ - vaśe

aham (I) ekaḥ (alone) tvā (you) śakto (able) na (not) | sarvam (all) idaṃ (this) mayi (in my) vaśe (control)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, 'na tvāham ekaḥ śakto mayi sarvam idaṃ vaśe', underscores the non-dual nature of reality, pointing towards the ultimate identity of the individual self (ātman) and the universal self (Brahman). Śaṅkarācārya, in his exposition of the Upaniṣads, emphasizes that the realization of this unity is the key to understanding the true nature of existence. The phrase 'mayi sarvam idaṃ vaśe' suggests that everything is under the control or within the scope of the ultimate reality, which is the Brahman. This interpretation aligns with Śaṅkara's commentary on the Taittirīya Upaniṣad, where he discusses the concept of 'sarvam ātma' (all is the self), highlighting the all-pervasive and all-inclusive nature of the Ātman. Thus, this verse is seen as a pointer to the ultimate non-dual reality, where distinctions between the individual and the universe dissolve, revealing the inherent unity of existence.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition interprets this verse within the context of the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his Bhagavad Gītā Bhāṣya, discusses the concept of 'śeṣa-śeṣi bhāva', where the jīva is seen as the servant or the dependent of the Lord, highlighting a relationship of dependence and surrender. The phrase 'na tvāham ekaḥ śakto' can be understood as the jīva recognizing its inability to act independently without the grace of Īśvara, leading to a devotional attitude of submission and reliance on the divine will. This interpretation is in line with Rāmānuja's emphasis on 'prapatti', or self-surrender, as a means to attain liberation. The verse thus serves as a reminder of the jīva's subordinate position and the importance of recognizing and submitting to the divine authority.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): From a modern perspective, this verse can be seen as an exhortation to recognize and tap into one's inner potential and the intrinsic unity of all existence. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Upaniṣads, emphasized the importance of realizing one's true self and the universal consciousness that pervades all. The statement 'mayi sarvam idaṃ vaśe' can be interpreted as an affirmation of the potential within each individual to encompass and understand the entire universe, reflecting the idea that the macrocosm is contained within the microcosm. This view aligns with Vivekānanda's call for self-realization and his belief in the inherent divinity of every being. Furthermore, S. Rādhākrishnan, in his philosophical writings, underscores the universal applicability of such verses, suggesting that they offer a blueprint for individual and societal transformation by fostering a sense of unity, cooperation, and mutual respect.

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