Tatpuruṣāya vidmahe Mahādevāya dhīmahi Tanno Rudro yajāmahe

Tatpuruṣāya (to that Purusha) vidmahe (we know) Mahādevāya (the great God) dhīmahi (we meditate) Tanno (from Him) Rudro (Rudra) yajāmahe (we worship)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Praśnopaniṣad highlights the non-dual nature of reality, pointing towards the ultimate identity of Brahman and Ātman. According to Shankara, the mention of 'Tatpuruṣāya' refers to the ultimate reality, Brahman, which is the essence of all existence. The phrase 'Mahādevāya dhīmahi' signifies the meditation on this supreme reality, which is the foundation of all spiritual pursuit. Shankara's commentary on the Taittirīya Upaniṣad, particularly the section on 'Satyam Jñānam Anantam Brahman', resonates with the essence of this verse, emphasizing the quest for knowledge of the absolute truth. The call to 'Tanno Rudro yajāmahe' underscores the role of Rudra, a manifestation of the divine, in guiding this spiritual journey, culminating in the realization of the non-dual identity of the individual self with the universal Brahman, thereby achieving liberation.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava interpretation, this verse is seen as an expression of devotion and the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Rāmānujācārya would likely interpret 'Tatpuruṣāya' as referring to the supreme Lord, Viṣṇu, who is the object of knowledge and devotion. The act of meditation on 'Mahādevāya' is understood as cultivating a deep love and dependence on God, recognizing His sovereignty over all existence. The phrase 'Tanno Rudro yajāmahe' indicates the worship and surrender to Rudra, considered a form of Śiva, who is revered as a manifestation of the divine grace that guides the devotee towards spiritual growth and ultimately, liberation through the mercy of the Supreme Lord. Madhvācārya might further emphasize the distinction between the individual soul and the Supreme, highlighting the importance of devotion as a means to bridge this gap and attain mokṣa.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse offers a profound message of universal applicability, transcending sectarian boundaries. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Upaniṣads, often emphasized the practical aspect of spiritual pursuit, highlighting the importance of realizing one's true nature. The call to 'Tatpuruṣāya vidmahe' can be seen as an invitation to understand and recognize the divine within oneself and in all existence, a theme echoed in Vivekānanda's talk on 'The Real Nature of Man' where he discusses the innate divinity of the human being. S. Radhakrishnan, in his philosophical works, such as 'Indian Philosophy', underscores the significance of meditation ('dhīmahi') on the supreme reality as a means to achieve spiritual enlightenment and world peace, reflecting on how verses like these inspire a sense of unity and cosmic consciousness, essential for navigating the complexities of modern life.

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