yena pūrvam ṛṣayaḥ paryagacchan sa te pṛcchāmi prathamo yasya vāc

yena (by whom) ṛṣayaḥ (seers) pūrvam (formerly) paryagacchan (went around, i.e., approached)saḥ (that one) te (to you) pṛcchāmi (I ask) prathamo (first)yasya (of whom) vāc (the speech)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Ṛgveda highlights the non-dual nature of ultimate reality, Brahman. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Brahmasūtra, emphasizes that the ṛṣis' approach to the 'first one whose speech' they heard signifies the pursuit of knowledge that leads to the realization of the Self (Ātman) as identical with Brahman. The phrase 'yena pūrvam ṛṣayaḥ paryagacchan' suggests a seeking that goes beyond the transient, pointing towards the eternal and unchanging essence. For Śaṅkara, this verse underscores the importance of understanding the Vedic teachings as pointers to the ultimate truth of non-duality (Advaya), where the distinctions between the individual self and the universal Self are transcended. This interpretation aligns with Śaṅkara's commentary on the Taittirīya Upaniṣad, where he discusses the realization of Brahman as the only true reality, beyond all duality.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is seen as an expression of devotion and the longing for divine guidance. Rāmānujācārya interprets the 'first one whose speech the ṛṣis approached' as a reference to the supreme Lord, Viṣṇu, or more specifically, the divine Word (Vāk) that emanates from Him. This Word is the source of all knowledge and the means by which the individual souls (jīvas) can attain liberation. The approach of the ṛṣis symbolizes the devotional path (bhakti-mārga) where the seeker submits to the will of the Lord, recognizing the dependence of the self on the divine. Madhvācārya, emphasizing the difference between the Lord and the souls, would view this verse as highlighting the gracious initiative of the Lord in revealing Himself through His Word, thus initiating the process of salvation for the devoted. This understanding underscores the personal relationship between the Lord and the devotee, central to Vaiṣṇava theology.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the practical and universal application of Vedic wisdom. He would interpret this verse as a call to seek the eternal and unchanging truth that underlies all existence. The 'first one whose speech the ṛṣis approached' can be seen as the symbol of the universal consciousness or the cosmic energy that pervades everything. The approach of the ṛṣis represents the human quest for knowledge and self-realization, which Vivekānanda believed was the key to unlocking human potential and achieving unity and harmony among all people. S. Rādhākrishnan, echoing this sentiment, would highlight the importance of realizing the universal Self (Paramātman) as the ground of all being, stressing that this realization is not merely intellectual but a living experience that transforms the individual and society. Both Vivekānanda and Rādhākrishnan saw in this verse a message of hope and unity, relevant to the challenges of contemporary life, where individuals and nations seek a deeper understanding and cooperation.

More from this source