Ādityasya cakṣoḥ sutaḥ sapta āsya āsana ā vavṛta gāthāṃ māṃ āvavṛta

Ādityasya (of Aditya) cakṣoḥ (from the eye) sutaḥ (son) aham (I) asmi (am), sapta (seven) āsya (his) āsana (seats) ā (towards) vavṛta (have turned), gāthāṃ (my verse) māṃ (me) āvavṛta (has covered)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Ṛgveda, 'Ādityasya cakṣoḥ sutaḥ', is interpreted by Śaṅkarācārya as an allegory for the ultimate reality, Brahman. The 'son of Aditya's eye' symbolizes the jīvātman, or individual self, which is ultimately non-different from the supreme self, Brahman. The 'seven horses' that surround the speaker represent the seven prāṇas, or vital energies, which are the instruments of the jīvātman's functioning in the world. The 'song' that encloses the speaker is the Vedic mantra, which is a means of realizing the identity of the individual self with the ultimate reality. This verse, thus, points to the brahman-ātman identity, where the individual self is seen as a reflection of the ultimate reality, much like the teachings found in the Upaniṣads, such as the Chāndogya Upaniṣad. Śaṅkarācārya's commentary on the Brahma Sūtras and the Upaniṣads provides a philosophical framework for understanding this verse as a representation of the non-dual nature of reality.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition, particularly through the lens of Rāmānujācārya's Viśiṣṭādvaita Vedānta, views this verse as an expression of the loving relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the personal God). The 'son of Aditya's eye' refers to the divine being, often identified with Viṣṇu or Nārāyaṇa in Vaiṣṇava theology, who is the object of devotion and worship. The 'seven horses' symbolize the means by which the divine reaches out to the jīva, such as the seven stages of knowledge or the seven layers of the universe, emphasizing the path of bhakti (devotion) towards the ultimate goal of union with God. The 'song' that encloses the speaker is the divine grace that envelops the devotee, protecting and guiding them towards liberation. Rāmānujācārya's perspective on such verses highlights the personal and intimate nature of the divine-human relationship, emphasizing devotion and surrender as the path to realizing one's true nature and achieving mokṣa (liberation).

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, a key figure in Neo-Vedānta, interprets this verse in the light of practical Vedānta, emphasizing its universal and contemporary relevance. The 'son of Aditya's eye' represents the inner, divine spark within every individual, symbolizing the infinite potential that lies within. The 'seven horses' signify the various faculties and energies (such as the senses, mind, and intellect) that must be harnessed and harmonized to achieve self-realization. The 'song' that encloses the speaker is the universal truth or dharma that guides human actions and aspirations, calling for a life of righteousness, compassion, and service to humanity. Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, such as 'The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda', often emphasized the importance of realizing this inner divinity and using one's abilities for the upliftment of society, reflecting the essence of this verse. Similarly, S. Rādhākrishnan, in his philosophical works, underscores the importance of integrating spiritual insights into daily life, echoing the sentiments of this verse in advocating for a balanced and holistic approach to human existence.

More from this source