yasya deve hi dattam mahādevaḥ prajāpatiḥ tasya taddattam

yasya (to whom) deve (among the gods) hi (indeed) mahādevaḥ (Great God) prajāpatiḥ (the Lord of creatures) dattam (given) tadd (that) tasya (his) dattam (given)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the non-dual nature of reality, where the distinction between the giver (Mahadeva, the Lord of creation) and the recipient (the individual self) is transcended. Shankara, in his commentary on the Kenopaniṣad, emphasizes that the act of giving is not a transaction between separate entities but an expression of the ultimate reality, Brahman. The phrase 'tasya taddattam' (to him alone it has been given) hints at the identity of the individual self (ātman) with the universal Self (Brahman). This identity is the core of Advaita Vedānta, where the duality of giver and receiver is seen as a manifestation of ignorance (avidyā), and the realization of this verse leads to the understanding that all actions, including giving, are ultimately expressions of the one Brahman. Thus, this verse points to the liberation that comes from recognizing the non-dual nature of existence, where the distinctions between the individual and the divine are dissolved.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition interprets this verse through the lens of devotion (bhakti) and the relationship between the individual soul (jīva) and the Supreme Lord (Īśvara). Rāmānujācārya, a key figure in this tradition, would likely emphasize that the giving mentioned in the verse is a manifestation of the Lord's grace (prasāda) towards the devotee. The phrase 'yasya deve hi dattam' (whatever has been given by Mahadeva) underscores the idea that everything, including our very existence, is a gift from the Lord. The recipient of this gift is not just the passive receiver but is called to respond with devotion and service. This verse, in the Vaiṣṇava perspective, highlights the dependency of the jīva on Īśvara and the necessity of acknowledging and revering this relationship through worship, loyalty, and self-surrender. It thus reinforces the core Vaiṣṇava principle of the interconnectedness of the divine and the human, with the ultimate goal being the attainment of divine love and service.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda): Swami Vivekananda, a champion of Neo-Vedānta, would interpret this verse as a call to recognize the inherent unity and interdependence of all existence. He would emphasize that the gift given by Mahadeva to the individual is not just a material or spiritual boon but represents the potential for self-realization and the capacity to serve others. The phrase 'tasya taddattam' symbolizes the idea that our talents, abilities, and very lives are trusts given to us, which we must use for the greater good. Vivekananda, in his lectures and writings, repeatedly stressed the importance of service (sevā) as a means to realize one's true nature and to find unity with all. This verse, from a Neo-Vedānta perspective, advocates for a life of service, selflessness, and the pursuit of knowledge, not merely as moral or ethical imperatives, but as essential steps towards realizing one's true nature and contributing to the well-being of the world. It thus bridges the spiritual and the practical, encouraging individuals to find their place in the world and to fulfill their duty (svadharma) as a service to the divine in all beings.

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