tat + naḥ + mokṣaḥ + śiva + sādhanaāt

tat (that) naḥ (to us) mokṣaḥ (liberation) śiva (from Shiva) sādhanaāt (by the means of)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, tanno mokṣaḥ śivasādhanāt, underscores the non-dual nature of reality, emphasizing that the pursuit of Śiva, or the ultimate reality, is the path to liberation. According to Shankara, the realization of the identity of Ātman and Brahman is the essence of mokṣa, and this verse supports that notion by implying that the means to achieve this liberation is through sādhana, or spiritual practice, dedicated to understanding the true nature of Śiva, which is ultimately not different from one's own Self. Shankara's commentary on the Kaṭhopaniṣad highlights the importance of discerning the real from the unreal, and this verse is pivotal in that discernment, guiding the seeker towards the unity of all existence. By focusing on the practice that leads to the understanding of Śiva, one is, in fact, moving towards realizing the oneness of the Self with the ultimate reality, thus achieving liberation. This interpretation aligns with Shankara's broader teachings on the non-dual nature of Brahman and the world, emphasizing that the distinctions we perceive are ultimately illusory.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition, through the lenses of Rāmānujācārya and Madhvācārya, interprets this verse with a strong emphasis on devotion and the personal relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Lord). Rāmānuja, in his commentary, might see this verse as underscoring the importance of bhakti (devotion) towards a personal deity, such as Śiva, as a means to achieve liberation. The phrase 'śivasādhanāt' would thus represent the diligent and loving pursuit of one's chosen deity, recognizing the deity's grace as the ultimate means to mokṣa. For Madhvācārya, this verse could reinforce the concept of the jīva's dependence on Īśvara for liberation, with 'śivasādhanāt' symbolizing the total surrender and dedication required for the realization of one's true position in relation to the divine. Both interpretations within the Vaiṣṇava tradition highlight the necessity of acknowledging and honoring the distinction between the self and the divine, as a fundamental aspect of the path to liberation.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda and S. Radhakrishnan, key figures in Neo-Vedānta, would approach this verse with an emphasis on its universal and practical implications for contemporary life. Vivekānanda, particularly, would likely interpret 'śivasādhanāt' as the practice of realizing one's own divine nature, a process that he often described as the unfolding of the infinite potential within each individual. This verse, for him, would represent a call to action, urging individuals to seek their liberation through self-realization, recognizing that true freedom lies in understanding and embracing one's true Self. Radhakrishnan, in his philosophical writings, might explore how this verse points to the universal principle of spirituality, where the pursuit of the divine (Śiva) represents a journey into the depths of human consciousness, culminating in the discovery of one's true nature and, thereby, liberation. Both thinkers would see in this verse a profound message of empowerment and the potential for human transformation, emphasizing that the path to liberation is available to all, through dedication and the right understanding of one's true identity and purpose.

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