Ayaṃ somo mahate dīrghāya jīvānāy. Ciklīti vas me gṛha iha prahi ca

Ciklīti (you) vas (dwell) me (in my) gṛha (house) iha (here) prahi (constantly) ca (and). Ayaṃ somo (this Soma) mahate (for the great) dīrghāya (for long life) jīvānāy (for the living)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In the context of this verse from the Ṛgveda, Ayaṃ somo mahate dīrghāyā jīvānāy, Śaṅkarācārya's non-dualistic interpretation becomes evident. The soma, symbolizing the supreme consciousness or brahman, is invoked for the attainment of great longevity, not merely of the physical body but of the ātman, the true Self. This longevity is not just a prolongation of earthly life but a transcendence of mortal limitations, reaching towards the eternal and unchanging nature of brahman. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Brahma Sūtras, emphasizes the ultimate reality of brahman and the illusory nature of the world (māyā), suggesting that true longevity and fulfillment come from realizing one's identity with brahman, not from externalsources like soma. This verse, therefore, points towards the brahman-ātman identity, where the realization of one's true nature as eternal and unchanging is the true longing, rather than mere physical longevity.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition interprets this verse with a focus on the personal relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). The soma, in this context, can be seen as a symbol of divine grace or the blessings of Īśvara, which are sought for the attainment of a long and fulfilling life. Rāmānujācārya, in his Bhagavad Gītā Bhāṣya, emphasizes the importance of bhakti (devotion) and prapatti (surrender) to Īśvara for achieving liberation. This verse can be seen as an expression of such devotion, where the individual seeks not just physical longevity but a life lived in service and devotion to the Divine, acknowledging the dependence of the jīva on Īśvara for all blessings, including the gift of life. Madhvācārya, with his emphasis on the difference (bheda) between the individual soul and the Supreme, would likely interpret the verse as highlighting the dependence of the jīva on Īśvara's grace for any attainment, including spiritual liberation.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda and S. Radhakrishnan, key figures of Neo-Vedānta, would interpret this verse in the light of universal and practical applications relevant to contemporary life. Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the importance of realizing one's inner strength and potential, which is akin to the concept of soma in this verse. He would see the pursuit of longevity and a fulfilling life as not merely physical but as a call to awaken to one's inner, spiritual nature. Radhakrishnan, with his philosophical background, might interpret soma as a symbol of the universal spirit or the cosmic energy that permeates all existence. The invitation to 'stay in my house and drink' could be seen as a metaphor for embracing and integrating this universal spirit within oneself, leading to a life of harmony, peace, and true fulfillment. Both would likely stress the importance of self-realization and the cultivation of a deeper, spiritual perspective on life as the key to achieving not just longevity but a life of purpose and meaning.

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