tasya vacanād rājā parituṣṭaḥ kṛtam astra vidyām

tasya (his) vacanād (from the words) rājā (the king) parituṣṭaḥ (was pleased) astra vidyām (the archery) kṛtam (was accomplished)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Rāmāyaṇa highlights the significance of the guru's words in achieving mastery over any skill or knowledge, including archery. According to Shankara, the mastery over astra-vidyā (the science of weapons) symbolizes the individual's quest for self-realization. In his commentary on the Brahma Sutras (III.4.26), Shankara emphasizes the role of the guru in guiding the seeker towards the ultimate reality. In the context of this verse, the king's mastery over archery, gained through Vishvamitra's guidance, can be seen as an allegory for the individual's journey towards realizing the non-dual Brahman-ātman identity. This realization is not just about intellectual understanding but about direct experience, much like the practical mastery of a skill. The verse thus points to the possibility of achieving a state of unity and wholeness, where the distinctions between the self and the world dissolve, much like the archer becoming one with his target. This interpretation aligns with Shankara's overall emphasis on the non-dual nature of reality and the path to achieving it through the guidance of a qualified guru.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The relationship between the king and Vishvamitra in this verse exemplifies the Vaiṣṇava concept of the jīva (the individual self) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his Sri Bhashya, discusses the importance of the guru in helping the disciple reach the ultimate goal of loving devotion to God. Here, Vishvamitra, as the guru, represents Īśvara, guiding the king (representing the jīva) towards mastery, which symbolizes spiritual growth and proximity to the divine. The king's pleasure and satisfaction upon mastering archery reflect the jīva's inherent desire for union with Īśvara, achieved through devotion and service. Madhvācārya would further emphasize the difference between the jīva and Īśvara, highlighting that the king's achievement, though admirable, remains distinct from the Supreme Lord's power and knowledge. This verse, therefore, illustrates the Vaiṣṇava theme of devotion and service to a higher power, with the guru playing a pivotal role in this devotional journey.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse offers a powerful metaphor for personal development and self-mastery in contemporary life. Swami Vivekananda, in his lectures on 'The Powers of the Mind', emphasizes the potential for human growth and the importance of self-discipline, both of which are exemplified by the king's mastery of archery under Vishvamitra's guidance. The practical application of spiritual principles to achieve mastery in any field is a recurring theme in Vivekananda's teachings. Similarly, S. Radhakrishnan, in his work 'The Hindu View of Life', discusses the universal relevance of Hindu scriptures, including the Rāmāyaṇa, in providing guidance for living a fulfilling and meaningful life. This verse can be seen as encouraging individuals to seek guidance from those more experienced and to persevere in their pursuits, whether spiritual, intellectual, or practical, leading to a holistic development of the personality. The emphasis on the role of the guru and the dedication required to master a skill or knowledge resonates with contemporary discussions on mentorship, self-improvement, and the lifelong pursuit of learning and growth.

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