Ayaṃ gauḥ śavas ṛṣịḥ purō yaḥ pavamānaḥ Sa īśānaḥ sa paśyaḥ sa śravaḥ saḥ

Saḥ (he) pavamānaḥ (the purifier) yaḥ (who) purō (formerly) śavas (might) ṛṣịḥ (like a sage) gauḥ (a cow) ayam (this) Saḥ (he) īśānaḥ (the lord) saḥ (that) paśyaḥ (the all-seeing) saḥ (that) śravaḥ (glory) saḥ (that)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Ṛgveda, when considered through the lens of non-dualism, underscores the ultimate reality that pervades all existence. According to Śaṅkarācārya, the identification of the cow with the sage and the ruler signifies the all-encompassing nature of Brahman, which is beyond human perceptions of duality. The cow, here, symbolizes the manifested world, while the sage and the ruler represent the unmanifest and the supreme controller, respectively. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Brahmasūtras, emphasizes the concept of 'tat tvam asi' (that thou art), suggesting that the ultimate reality (Brahman) and the individual self (ātman) are one and the same. This verse, by attributing the qualities of the ruler and the all-seeing to the cow, metaphorically points towards the unity of the individual self with the ultimate reality, thus supporting the non-dualistic interpretation of the Vedas. The description of the cow as moving before the sun suggests the cosmic and universal nature of this reality, encompassing all time and space, further reinforcing the identity of Brahman and ātman.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava interpretation, this verse is seen as an expression of the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Brahmasūtras, discusses the concept of 'śeṣa-śeṣi' (the relationship between the lord and the servant), where everything in the universe, including the cow mentioned in the verse, is considered a servant or a part of the divine body of Īśvara. The identification of the cow with the sage and the ruler signifies the divine presence in all beings and highlights the importance of devotion and surrender to the Supreme Being. Madhvācārya, emphasizing the difference between the jīva and Īśvara, would interpret this verse as demonstrating the lordship of Īśvara over all creation, including the sages and the natural world, thus underscoring the devotional path where the jīva seeks to understand and acknowledge this divine supremacy. The verse, therefore, encourages a personal and loving relationship with the divine, recognizing the divinity in all aspects of creation.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the practical and universal application of Vedantic principles. Considering this verse, he might interpret the cow as a symbol of the universal life force that permeates all existence, from the simplest forms of life to the most complex. The description of the cow as a powerful sage, moving before the sun, signifies the eternal and omnipresent nature of this life force, which is beyond the limitations of time and space. Rādhākrishnan, focusing on the philosophical aspects, would likely see this verse as an illustration of the organic unity of the world, where every element, from the natural to the human, is interconnected and interdependent. This understanding promotes a worldview that values harmony with nature and recognizes the inherent dignity and worth of all life, thus leading to a more compassionate and holistic approach to living. By contemplating this verse, one is encouraged to embrace a life of service, tolerance, and universal love, reflecting the deeper, spiritual unity of all existence.

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