Ayaṃ - dava - ṛṣikeśo - yuyutsur - indreṇa - tā - Sa - imaṃ - pṛthivīṃ - ca - devānām - api - ca

Sa (he) ṛṣikeśo (the lord of the senses) ayaṃ (this) dava (god) yuyutsur (who wishes to fight) indreṇa (with Indra) tā (at that time) Sa (he) imaṃ (this) pṛthivīṃ (earth) ca (and) devānām (of the gods) api (also) ca (and)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Ṛgveda, 'Ayaṃ dava ṛṣikeśo yuyutsur indreṇa tā. Sa imaṃ pṛthivīṃ ca devānām api ca,' highlights the concept of the individual self (jīva) striving to understand and connect with the ultimate reality (Brahman). According to Shankara, the struggle to fight with Indra symbolizes the ego's (ahaṅkāra) attempts to assert its dominance, which is a fundamental obstacle to realizing the non-dual nature of Brahman. The phrase 'ṛṣikeśo' indicates one who has controlled the senses, emphasizing the importance of self-control in the pursuit of spiritual knowledge. Shankara's commentary on the Brahma Sūtras (particularly 1.1.1) emphasizes that the ultimate goal is to understand the identity of Brahman and ātman, and this verse can be seen as an allegory for the inner struggle and the eventual realization of this unity. The line 'Sa imaṃ pṛthivīṃ ca devānām api ca' suggests that the one who has achieved this understanding rules over or transcends both the earthly realm and the realm of the gods, implying a state of liberation (mokṣa) where one is not bound by the limitations of the material world or the cycle of birth and death.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava interpretation of this verse focuses on the relationship between the individual soul (jīva) and the Supreme Lord (Īśvara). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Brahma Sūtras, would likely view 'yuyutsur indreṇa' as symbolizing the natural tendency of the jīva to strive for independence and self-aggrandizement, which is a deviation from its true nature of being a servant of the Lord. The phrase 'ṛṣikeśo' indicates the importance of spiritual discipline and self-control in recognizing one's true position as a servant of God. For Madhvācārya, this verse might represent the independent will of the jīva that needs to be surrendered to the will of God, highlighting the concept of 'śaraṇāgati' or total surrender. The ruling over 'this earth and the gods' could be seen as the Lord's omnipotence and the jīva's potential for spiritual growth and liberation through devotion (bhakti) and the Lord's grace. This interpretation underscores the devotional path as the means to achieve spiritual liberation, emphasizing the personal relationship between the devotee and the Supreme Being.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda would likely interpret this verse as a call to self-realization and the actualization of human potential. The struggle to fight with Indra represents the inner conflict between the aspirant's ego and the higher self, with 'ṛṣikeśo' signifying the mastery over one's own senses and desires. Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, emphasized the importance of self-control, concentration, and the search for the ultimate truth within oneself. The phrase 'Sa imaṃ pṛthivīṃ ca devānām api ca' can be seen as a symbol of the liberated state where the individual has transcended the material and spiritual realms, achieving a state of unity and harmony with all existence. This verse, in the context of contemporary life, encourages individuals to strive for self-realization, to understand and overcome their limitations, and to recognize their inherent potential for greatness. As S. Radhakrishnan noted, the Vedāntic message is one of hope and optimism, emphasizing that human beings have the capacity for spiritual growth and self-realization, leading to a life of freedom, peace, and fulfillment.

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