tat puruṣāya vidmahe sakatāvare mahat tanno lomaśaḥ pracodayāt

tat (that) puruṣāya (to the great Being) vidmahe (we pray) mahat (great) sakatāvare ( whose control is over everything), tanno (from Him) lomaśaḥ (the revered Lomāśa) pracodayāt (inspire us) ||

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In his commentary on the Praśnopaniṣad, Shankara interprets 'tat-puruṣāya' as the ultimate reality, Brahman. The phrase 'sakatāvare mahat' signifies the greatness of this unborn, unchanging essence. Shankara argues that the Puruṣa here is not an individual self but the universal Self, emphasizing the non-dual nature of reality. This verse points to the identity of Brahman and Ātman, where the ultimate goal is to realize one's true nature as this unborn, great Puruṣa. Thus, the inspiration sought from this Puruṣa is for the removal of ignorance, leading to self-realization. Shankara's reasoning underscores the importance of understanding the ultimate reality as one, indivisible whole, where the distinctions between individual selves and the ultimate reality are transcended.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): Rāmānujācārya, in his interpretation, views 'tat-puruṣāya' as a reference to the Supreme Being, Īśvara, who is both the material and efficient cause of the universe. The phrase 'vidmahe' suggests devotion and knowledge of this Supreme Lord. The relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara is central, where the jīva seeks guidance and inspiration from Īśvara. Rāmānuja interprets 'pracodayāt' as the Lord's grace, which guides the seeker towards realizing their true nature as a servant of the Lord. This verse, for Rāmānuja, emphasizes the path of devotion and surrender to the will of the Supreme, highlighting the dependency of the jīva on Īśvara's mercy for liberation.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda sees this verse as a call to the universal divine that resides within every individual. 'Tat-puruṣāya' represents the potential and the ideal that each person strives to realize. Vivekānanda emphasizes the practical application of this verse, advocating for self-effort and the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom. He connects this pursuit with the concept of 'pracodayāt,' where the inspiration from the higher Self within is what propels individuals towards their goals and self-realization. In contemporary life, this verse can inspire individuals to seek their inner potential, fostering a sense of purpose and direction. Rādhākrishnan, similarly, interprets this verse in the context of realizing one's true humanity, emphasizing the importance of education and self-awareness in achieving this realization.

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