tat + no + mayaḥ + pracodayāt

mayaḥ (of illusion) tat (that) no (unto us) pracodayāt (may impel)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In this verse, 'tanno mayaḥ pracodayāt', Śaṅkarācārya interprets 'mayā' as the power of Brahman, which impels the individual to seek liberation. Citing the Brahma Sūtra (1.3.42), Śaṅkarācārya argues that the ultimate reality, Brahman, is the essence of all existence. This verse points to the Brahman-ātman identity, where the individual self (ātman) is ultimately one with the universal reality (Brahman). The 'pracodayāt' or impelling, signifies the intuitive guidance of the Self towards realizing this non-dual truth, underscoring the Upaniṣadic theme of self-inquiry leading to mokṣa. Śaṅkarācārya's commentary on the Īśopaniṣad emphasizes that true knowledge (vidyā) arises from understanding the distinction between the Self and the non-Self, where 'maya' represents the illusory veiling of this Reality.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): Rāmānujācārya views 'tanno mayaḥ pracodayāt' as an expression of devotion, where 'mayā' signifies the Lord's power that inspires devotion in the heart of the devotee. For Rāmānuja, the relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Lord) is fundamental, and this verse highlights the role of divine grace in guiding the devotee towards liberation. Madhvācārya, with his emphasis on the distinction between the Lord and the individual self, would see 'maya' as the Lord's power that enables the individual to discern their true nature and relationship with the Lord. In both interpretations, the verse underscores the importance of recognizing and surrendering to the divine will, with 'pracodayāt' implying a call to action, urging the individual to embark on the path of bhakti or devotion under the guidance of the Lord's 'maya'.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda interprets 'tanno mayaḥ pracodayāt' as a call to recognize and overcome the limitations imposed by our individual perceptions and illusions, symbolized by 'maya'. In his lectures on the Upaniṣads, Vivekānanda emphasizes the need for self-awareness and the cultivation of a higher, universal consciousness that transcends the ego and personal biases. This verse, for him, represents an exhortation to strive for a deeper understanding of the self and the world, unencumbered by the delusions of 'maya'. Similarly, S. Rādhākrishnan sees this verse as an invitation to explore the depths of human consciousness and to recognize the universal principles that govern existence. He emphasizes the practical application of this wisdom in everyday life, encouraging individuals to look beyond their immediate concerns and to strive for a more profound and compassionate engagement with the world, guided by the intuition and insight that 'maya' can inspire when properly understood.

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