tato lakṣmaṇam ūleṇa dṛṣṭvā māyāvinā dvi-yam

tato (then) lakṣmaṇam (Lakshmana) ūleṇa (by the root) dṛṣṭvā (having seen) māyāvinā (the demon) dvi-yam (the two)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse offers a profound insight into the nature of reality through the lens of non-duality. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Brahma Sūtras, underscores the concept of māyā, or illusion, which is pivotal in understanding the temporary and unreal nature of the world. The phrase 'māyāvinā dvi-yam' highlights the power of māyā in creating a duality that obscures the ultimate reality, Brahman. By seeing through this illusion (māyā), one can recognize the identity of Brahman and ātman. In the context of this verse, the ability of the māyāvin (the one wielding māyā) to perceive Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa as two separate entities underscores the illusory nature of worldly perceptions. Śaṅkara's reasoning on related passages emphasizes that true knowledge (vidyā) leads to the realization that all distinctions, including the duality of the self and the world, are mere appearances. Thus, this verse points toward the ultimate non-dual reality, encouraging the seeker to look beyond the veil of māyā to discover the unity of Brahman-ātman.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava interpretation of this verse focuses on the devotional aspect and the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his Śrī Bhāṣya, discusses the concept of 'aprāpti' or non-accessibility of the Supreme Lord due to the veil of māyā. The power of māyā, as referenced in 'māyāvinā dvi-yam', serves as a reminder of the limitations of human understanding in grasping the divine. For Rāmānujācārya, the recognition of Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa as distinct entities yet intimately connected symbolizes the complex relationship between the jīva and Īśvara. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, might interpret the 'dvi-yam' as emphasizing the real distinction between the Supreme Lord (Rāma) and His devotee (Lakṣmaṇa), highlighting the importance of bhakti (devotion) as a means to transcend māyā and realize one's true position as a servant of the Lord. Both perspectives underscore the role of devotion in overcoming the illusion created by māyā and achieving a deeper understanding of the divine.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often stressed the practical application of Vedāntic principles in everyday life. This verse can be seen as a call to look beyond the superficial distinctions that divide us, recognizing the unity that underlies all existence. The power of māyā, in creating illusions of duality, serves as a metaphor for the barriers we construct between ourselves and others. Vivekānanda might interpret 'māyāvinā dvi-yam' as a reminder of the human tendency to see the world in terms of dichotomies, obscuring the universal truth that unites us. Similarly, S. Radhakrishnan, in his philosophical works, emphasized the importance of realizing the ultimate reality that transcends all distinctions. This verse, for Radhakrishnan, would symbolize the journey of the individual towards self-realization, where the illusions of māyā are dispelled, revealing the interconnectedness of all beings. Both Vivekānanda and Radhakrishnan would likely encourage the contemporary seeker to apply the insights from this verse in promoting unity, understanding, and compassion in the world.

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