atha rājā tadā agastyā ṛṣim āgato yathā agataḥ

atha (then) rājā (the king) tadā (at that time) agastyā (to Agastya) ṛṣim (the sage) yathā (how) agataḥ (arrived) āgato (he came)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In this verse, 'atha rājā tadāgastyā ṛṣim āgato yathāgataḥ', the non-dual reading is implicit in the action of King Dasharatha approaching the sage Agastya. Shankara's commentary on the Brahma Sutras emphasizes the importance of approaching a guru for knowledge, which is akin to realizing the ultimate truth of brahman-ātman identity. Here, the king's approach symbolizes the seeker's quest for Self-realization, underscoring that the ultimate goal is the recognition of one's true nature as being identical with the universe, transcending individual identities. This verse, in the context of the Ramayana, signifies the beginning of a spiritual journey, where the distinctions between the seeker (jiva) and the sought (Ishvara) dissolve, reflecting the Advaitic principle of non-duality. As per Shankara's reasoning in his commentaries, the pursuit of knowledge embodied by the king's visit to Agastya illustrates the process of Self-inquiry, leading to the realization of the ultimate non-dual reality.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): This verse is pivotal in the Vaiṣṇava tradition as it exemplifies the relationship between the jīva (King Dasharatha) and Īśvara (represented by the sage Agastya). According to Ramanuja, the act of approaching a sage or a deity is an expression of bhakti, or devotion, which is a fundamental aspect of the Vaiṣṇava path. The visit of King Dasharatha to Agastya signifies the jīva's dependence on Īśvara for guidance and protection, illustrating the concept of prapatti, or total surrender. This relationship is central to Vaiṣṇava theology, emphasizing the idea that the individual self (jīva) finds its fulfillment and liberation through devotion to the supreme self (Īśvara). In the context of this verse, Ramanuja would likely interpret the king's actions as a symbol of the devotee's quest for divine guidance and the ultimate goal of achieving a loving relationship with the divine. The visit, therefore, becomes a metaphor for the spiritual journey of the devotee towards union with God, facilitated by the grace of Īśvara.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse offers a profound message relevant to contemporary life, emphasizing the importance of seeking guidance and wisdom. Swami Vivekananda, in his lectures and writings, often stressed the need for individuals to awaken to their inner potential and strive for self-realization. The action of King Dasharatha in approaching the sage Agastya can be seen as a universal symbol for the human quest for knowledge and enlightenment. Vivekananda would likely interpret this verse as an encouragement for individuals to embark on a path of self-discovery, seeking wisdom from those who have attained a higher level of understanding. This pursuit of knowledge and wisdom is not limited to spiritual or religious contexts but extends to all aspects of human life, including personal growth, social service, and the pursuit of excellence. As Radhakrishnan noted in his philosophical works, the essence of Indian thought, including passages like this verse, lies in its emphasis on the potential for human transformation and the realization of one's true nature, which is capable of achieving greatness through dedication, perseverance, and the right guidance.

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