atha rājā tad abravīt sutasya tad vacas srutvā

atha (then) rājā (the king) sutasya (of the son) tad vacas (those words) srutvā (having heard) tad abravīt (spoke that)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Rāmāyaṇa highlights the moment when the king, upon hearing his son's words, responds. In the context of Advaita Vedānta, this interaction can be seen as an allegory for the self (ātman) and its dialogue with the world. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, often emphasizes the importance of understanding the ultimate reality (Brahman) as the unchanging essence behind all transient phenomena. In this light, the king's response after hearing his son can be seen as the manifestation of Brahman-ātman identity, where the individual self (jiva) recognizes its true nature as part of the ultimate reality. This recognition leads to a unified understanding, transcending the duality of the king (the ruler, the ego) and the son (the individual self), pointing towards the non-dual nature of existence. Śaṅkarācārya's reasoning, as seen in his Bhashyas, emphasizes the removal of ignorance (avidya) to realize this unity, which this verse indirectly suggests through the king's reflective response.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, the relationship between the king and his son in this verse can be interpreted as a metaphor for the bond between the devotee (jīva) and the Lord (Īśvara). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, discusses the concept of 'prapatti' or surrender, where the individual surrenders to the divine will, much like a son might surrender to the wisdom of his father, the king. This surrender is not a sign of weakness but a demonstration of deep faith and understanding of one's place in the cosmic order. The king's response, guided by his paternal love and wisdom, represents the divine grace that is bestowed upon the devotee who has surrendered. Madhvācārya, too, would see this interaction as reflective of the real difference (dvaita) between the independent Lord and the dependent soul, yet emphasizing the love and dependence that characterizes their relationship. This verse thus encapsulates the essence of Vaiṣṇava theology, where devotion and surrender are the paths to experiencing divine love and guidance.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda and S. Radhakrishnan, key figures in the Neo-Vedānta movement, would interpret this verse as a call to introspection and unity. According to Vivekānanda, the moment the king reflects on his son's words represents the turning inward of the human mind, seeking truth and wisdom. This introspection is a universal principle, applicable to all humans regardless of their background, leading to a deeper understanding of oneself and one's place in the world. Radhakrishnan, with his emphasis on the harmony of religions and the spiritual unity of mankind, would see the king's response as emblematic of the universal fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of man. This verse, therefore, encourages us to listen to the voices of our inner selves and of others, fostering empathy, understanding, and unity. In contemporary life, this message is particularly relevant, as we navigate through complexities and seek a more harmonious and peaceful existence. Vivekānanda's lectures on practical Vedānta and Radhakrishnan's philosophical works both underscore the importance of realizing the inherent unity and divinity in all beings, which this verse poignantly illustrates.

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