Ayaṃ somo mahate rāje dīyate , Yasya somarājam pibatāṁ vṛṇīmahe

Ayaṃ (this) somo (Soma) , mahate (great) rāje (king) dīyate (is given) , Yasya (of whom) pibatāṁ (we drink) somarājam (the king of Soma) vṛṇīmahe (we choose)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Ṛgveda, Ayaṃ somo mahate dīyate rāje, offers a profound insight into the non-dual nature of reality when interpreted through the lens of Advaita Vedānta. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Brahma Sūtras, emphasizes the ultimate reality of Brahman and the illusory nature of the world. The 'great king' to whom Soma is offered can be seen as a metaphor for the ultimate reality, Brahman, which is the true recipient of all offerings. The act of drinking Soma, therefore, symbolizes the jīva's (individual self) participation in and realization of this ultimate reality. The verse points to the brahman-ātman identity by suggesting that the true essence of the individual is not separate from the universal essence. This interpretation aligns with Śaṅkarācārya's reasoning in his commentary on the Taittirīya Upaniṣad, where he discusses the oneness of ātman and Brahman. Through this lens, the verse invites the seeker to transcend the duality of the worshipper and the worshipped, leading to a deeper understanding of the non-dual nature of existence.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is interpreted in the context of bhakti, or devotional service, to the Supreme Lord. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Brahma Sūtras, would likely view the 'great king' as a reference to Nārāyaṇa, the Supreme Being, who is the object of devotion and the recipient of all offerings. The act of drinking Soma, in this context, represents the jīva's participation in the divine love and grace of the Lord. The verse Yasya pibatāṁ vṛṇīmahe somarājam underscores the desire to partake in this divine Soma, symbolizing the longing for a direct experience of the Lord's grace. Madhvācārya might further emphasize the distinction between the jīva and Īśvara, highlighting the jīva's dependence on the Lord's mercy for liberation. Thus, the verse is seen as an expression of devotion and a longing for union with the divine, reflecting the personal and relational aspect of the Vaiṣṇava philosophy.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, a key figure in Neo-Vedānta, would likely interpret this verse as a call to spiritual awakening and self-realization. He might see the 'great king' as a symbol of the highest potential within each individual, and the offering of Soma as a metaphor for the dedication of one's life to the pursuit of this inner greatness. The act of drinking Soma represents the awakening to one's true nature and the realization of one's unity with the universal. Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the practical application of Vedāntic principles in everyday life, encouraging individuals to strive for self-realization and service to humanity. Similarly, S. Radhakrishnan, in his philosophical works, highlighted the universal principles of Vedānta, including the concept of the ultimate reality that underlies all existence. This verse, through their interpretations, becomes a powerful reminder of the human potential for spiritual growth and the importance of living a life dedicated to the realization of this potential, thereby contributing to the betterment of society.

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