tatas tvayā rājan vitatātena pṛṣṭḥ

tatas (then) tvayā (by you) rājan (O King) vitatātena (by that very long bow) pṛṣṭḥ (having been asked)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In the context of this verse, 'tatas tvayā rājan vitatatnena pṛṣṭḥ', the emphasis is on the inquiry into the nature of the Self. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, highlights the importance of such inquiry as a means to understand the ultimate reality, Brahman. The questioning by the king symbolizes the seeking of knowledge, which is a fundamental aspect of the path to realizing the non-dual nature of reality. This verse points to the Brahman-ātman identity by suggesting that through thorough questioning and reflection, one can come to understand the true nature of the Self, which is ultimately not different from Brahman. Śaṅkarācārya's reasoning, as seen in his works such as the Upadesasahasri, underscores the significance of self-inquiry as a method to dispel ignorance and realize the unity of all existence.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition, particularly through the lens of Rāmānujācārya, views this verse as an illustration of the loving relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). The king's action of thoroughly questioning, 'vitatatnena pṛṣṭḥ', is seen as a metaphor for the devotee's earnest seeks for knowledge about the divine. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, emphasizes the importance of such devotion and inquiry as a means to understand and approach Īśvara. This verse thus highlights the interactive and personal nature of the relationship between the devotee and the divine, showcasing the path of bhakti (devotion) as a primary means to spiritual realization. Madhvācārya would further interpret this in the context of the difference between the soul and God, emphasizing the real and eternal distinction between them while still acknowledging the intimacy of their relationship.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda and S. Rādhākrishnan, key figures in the Neo-Vedānta movement, would interpret this verse as a call to action for self-reflection and inquiry in the contemporary context. Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the importance of individual effort and self-inquiry as paths to spiritual growth and social reform. He would see the king's thorough questioning as a symbol of the intense self-examination and striving for knowledge that are necessary for personal and societal advancement. Rādhākrishnan, with his philosophical leanings, would further discuss this verse in the context of the universal human quest for meaning and the ultimate reality. He would underscore how the process of questioning and seeking, as depicted in this verse, reflects the innate human desire for knowledge and connection with something higher, thereby highlighting the relevance of the Vedāntic principles to modern life and its challenges.

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