tat + no + mayaḥ + pracodayāt

mayaḥ (of Maya/illusion) no (our/unto us) tat (that) pracodayāt (may impel/inspire)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In this verse, 'tanno mayaḥ pracodayāt', the pronoun 'tad' refers to the ultimate reality, Brahman. According to Śaṅkara, this verse signifies the non-dual essence of reality, where the individual self (ātman) is ultimately identical with Brahman. The word 'pracodayāt' implies the awakening or inspiration of the individual to realize this unity. Śaṅkara, in his commentary on the Kaṭhopaniṣad, emphasizes that this realization is not just an intellectual understanding but a direct experience of the ultimate reality. He further elucidates that the verb 'pracodayāt' is an exhortation to the seeker to strive for this realization, highlighting the importance of self-effort in achieving spiritual liberation. The verse thus points to the central theme of Advaita Vedānta – the non-dual nature of reality and the liberation of the individual through the realization of this unity.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The verse 'tanno mayaḥ pracodayāt' is interpreted in the Vaiṣṇava tradition as a devotional call to the Lord (Īśvara) to inspire the devotee (jīva) towards the path of liberation. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Upaniṣads, views 'tad' as referring to the Lord, Narayana, who is the ultimate reality. The word 'pracodayāt' signifies the Lord's grace that inspires the devotee to seek union with Him. This verse, for Rāmānujācārya, underscores the loving relationship between the Lord and the devotee, where the Lord's inspiration is seen as essential for the devotee's spiritual progress. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, while agreeing on the devotional aspect, would emphasize the distinction between the Lord and the devotee, highlighting the dependence of the devotee on the Lord's grace for liberation.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda sees the verse 'tanno mayaḥ pracodayāt' as a universal call to inspire individuals to strive for the realization of their true potential. He interprets 'tad' as the universal consciousness that underlies all existence. The word 'pracodayāt' represents the inner spark that drives individuals towards self-realization and service to humanity. In his lectures and writings, Vivekānanda often emphasized the importance of inspiring others to work towards the betterment of society, viewing this verse as a reminder of the collective responsibility to uplift each other. S. Rādhākrishnan, on the other hand, connects this verse to the universal quest for meaning and purpose, seeing it as an exhortation to seek wisdom and understanding that transcends individual pursuits, leading to a more harmonious and enlightened world.

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