Ayaṃ yajñaḥ manuṣaḥ kṛtaḥ nāsti nādyatām vṛṇīmahe Nāsti dāto yasya nāsti kartā ca paśuṃ vṛṇīmahe

na asti (there is not) yajñaḥ (a sacrifice) kṛtaḥ (performed) manuṣaḥ (by a man) vṛṇīmahe (we choose) nādyatām (not to be initiated) Nāsti (there is not) yasya (whose) dāto (one who gives) nāsti (there is not) kartā (one who performs) ca (and) vṛṇīmahe (we choose) paśuṃ (a sacrificial animal)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Ṛgveda underscores the impermanence and incompleteness of all human endeavors, including ritual sacrifices. Shankara, in his commentary on the Brahmasūtra, emphasizes that true completeness can only be achieved through the realization of the ultimate reality, Brahman. The phrase 'nāsti nādyatāṃ vṛṇīmahe' suggests that the sacrifice, as a human construct, is inherently lacking, pointing to the limitations of human action. Shankara's non-dual reading encourages the seeker to look beyond the ephemeral realm of human creations and strive for the timeless, unchanging essence that underlies all existence. By recognizing the incompleteness of human endeavors, the verse nudges the aspirant toward the pursuit of Self-knowledge, ultimately leading to the understanding of the identity between the individual self (ātman) and the universal reality (Brahman).

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava perspective, this verse is seen as an expression of the dependence of the jīva (individual soul) on Īśvara (the Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Brahmasūtra, interprets the incomplete sacrifice as a symbol of the jīva's inherent limitations and its need for divine grace to achieve true fulfillment. The act of choosing a patron (vṛṇīmahe) is understood as the jīva's prayer for divine assistance, acknowledging that without Īśvara's guidance and benevolence, human efforts remain incomplete. This devotional reading emphasizes the relationship between the jīva and Īśvara, highlighting the importance of surrender and the recognition of one's limitations as a means to attain spiritual growth and ultimate liberation. The verse thus encourages a sense of humility and dependence on the divine, fostering a deeper devotional practice.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the practical applications of Vedāntic principles in everyday life. Regarding this verse, he might interpret the incomplete sacrifice as a metaphor for human life itself, which remains unfulfilled without a higher purpose. The act of seeking a patron can be seen as the quest for meaning and direction in life. Vivekānanda would likely argue that true fulfillment comes from realizing one's potential and contributing to the greater good, rather than merely pursuing personal gains. This universal and practical reading of the verse encourages individuals to look beyond their immediate, selfish interests and strive for a sense of purpose that transcends individual limitations. By doing so, one can find a sense of completeness and satisfaction that eludes those solely focused on personal achievements, thereby applying the timeless wisdom of the Ṛgveda to contemporary life and its challenges.

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