saḥ ātmā tamasaḥ parastāt

saḥ (that) ātmā (Self) parastāt (beyond) tamasaḥ (darkness/unreal)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, sa ātma tamasaḥ parastād, is pivotal in establishing the non-dual nature of reality. Shankara, in his commentary on the Kaṭhopaniṣad, interprets 'tamasaḥ parastāt' as indicating the Self's transcendence beyond the limiting factors of ignorance (tamas). This aligns with his argument in the Brahmasūtrabhāṣya that the ultimate reality, Brahman, is beyond all distinctions and dualities. The phrase 'sa ātma' signifies the identity of the individual self (ātman) with the universal Self (Brahman), reinforcing the concept of 'tat tvam asi' (that thou art). Shankara's commentary on this verse underscores the idea that the realization of this identity is the means to transcend ignorance and achieve liberation. By pointing to the Self as beyond darkness, the verse invites the seeker to look beyond the veils of ignorance to discover the true, unchanging nature of the Self, which is none other than Brahman.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition offers a nuanced understanding of this verse, emphasizing the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his Śrībhāṣya, might interpret 'sa ātma' as referring to the jīva, which, though bound by tamas (ignorance), has the potential to realize its true nature through devotion to Īśvara. The phrase 'tamasaḥ parastāt' suggests that the jīva, with the grace of Īśvara, can transcend the darkness of ignorance. This reading aligns with the Vaiṣṇava emphasis on bhakti (devotion) as a means to achieve liberation. The verse, in this context, encourages the devotee to seek a relationship with the divine, recognizing that the Self, though distinct from Īśvara, can find fulfillment and liberation through this devotional path. Madhvācārya, with his emphasis on the difference between the individual self and the supreme Self, might further highlight the role of Īśvara's grace in enabling the jīva to overcome the limitations imposed by tamas.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the practical and universal applications of Vedāntic principles. Regarding this verse, he might interpret 'sa ātma tamasaḥ parastād' as a call to recognize the inherent potential within each individual to transcend the limitations and ignorance that hinder personal and societal progress. The phrase 'tamasaḥ parastāt' could be seen as symbolizing the human capacity to rise above darkness, whether it be ignorance, fear, or suffering, and to strive towards enlightenment and freedom. This understanding resonates with Vivekānanda's message of self-empowerment and the pursuit of knowledge as a means to achieve both individual liberation and collective well-being. Similarly, S. Radhakrishnan, in his philosophical works, might view this verse as an affirmation of the human spirit's ability to seek and realize a higher truth, transcending the boundaries of mundane existence and tapping into a universal consciousness that is beyond the dualities of human experience.

More from this source