tathā vihāya mahatāṁ niṣedhaṁ jagāma vaiśālīṁ purīṁ janasyā rakhṣāyā

tathā (thus) vihāya (having disregarded) mahatāṁ (of the great ones) niṣedhaṁ (the prohibition) jagāma (he went) vaiśālīṁ (to Vaiśālī) purīṁ (city) janasyā (of the people) rakhṣāyā (for the protection)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, tathā vihāya mahatāṁ niṣedhaṁ jāgāma vaiśālīṁ purīṁ janasyā rakhṣāyā, illustrates the non-dual principle of Advaita Vedānta through the actions of its protagonist. By disregarding the warning of the elders and proceeding to Vaiśālī for the protection of the people, the protagonist embodies the selfless and compassionate nature of Brahman. Shankara, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, highlights the importance of selflessness and the performance of actions without attachment. Similarly, in this verse, the protagonist's actions are guided by a sense of duty and responsibility towards the people, rather than personal gain or recognition. This selfless attitude is a reflection of the brahman-ātman identity, where the individual self (ātman) is ultimately one with the universal reality (Brahman). Through this verse, Shankara would likely argue that the protagonist's actions exemplify the non-dual principle, demonstrating that true freedom and fulfillment can be achieved by transcending the limitations of the ego and embracing the unity of all existence.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiśālī verse, tathā vihāya mahatāṁ niṣedhaṁ jāgāma vaiśālīṁ purīṁ janasyā rakhṣāyā, highlights the importance of devotion and selfless service in the Vaiṣṇava tradition. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, emphasizes the role of the jīva (individual self) in relation to Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). The protagonist's decision to disregard the warning of the elders and proceed to Vaiśālī for the protection of the people demonstrates a sense of surrender and devotion to the well-being of others, which is a key aspect of Vaiṣṇava philosophy. Madhvācārya would likely interpret this verse as an example of the jīva's dependence on Īśvara, where the individual self relies on the guidance and protection of the Supreme Lord to fulfill its duties and responsibilities. Through this verse, both Rāmānujācārya and Madhvācārya would emphasize the importance of cultivating a devotional attitude and surrendering one's actions to the will of Īśvara.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse, tathā vihāya mahatāṁ niṣedhaṁ jāgāma vaiśālīṁ purīṁ janasyā rakhṣāyā, has significant implications for contemporary life, as highlighted by Neo-Vedānta thinkers such as Swami Vivekānanda and S. Rādhākrishnan. Vivekānanda, in his lecture on 'The Ideal of a Universal Religion,' emphasizes the importance of selfless service and the cultivation of a sense of universal brotherhood. The protagonist's decision to disregard the warning of the elders and proceed to Vaiśālī for the protection of the people exemplifies this ideal, demonstrating a commitment to the well-being of others and a willingness to challenge conventional wisdom. Rādhākrishnan, in his commentary on the Upaniṣads, highlights the importance of integrating spiritual values into everyday life, citing the need for individuals to cultivate a sense of social responsibility and compassion. Through this verse, both Vivekānanda and Rādhākrishnan would argue that the pursuit of spiritual growth and self-realization must be accompanied by a commitment to social service and the betterment of human society.

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