Tatpuruṣāya vidmahe sarvāya tanno ajñānaṁ prāntu

Tat (that) puruṣāya (to the puruṣa) vidmahe (we know) sarvāya (to the all) tanno (from that) ajñānaṁ (ignorance) prāntu (let it go)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Praśnopaniṣad underscores the non-dual nature of reality, pointing towards the ultimate identity of Brahman and Ātman. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Upaniṣads, emphasizes the importance of recognizing the Purusha, the absolute consciousness, as the essence of all existence. The phrase 'Tatpuruṣāya vidmahe' signifies the cognition of this supreme reality, while 'sarvāya tanno ajñānaṁ prāntu' suggests the dissolution of ignorance that veils this understanding. This dissolution is not merely intellectual but a direct experience of one's true nature, leading to the realization of Brahman-Ātman identity, where the individual self (jīva) is seen as non-different from the universal consciousness (Brahman). Śaṅkarācārya's commentary on the Taittirīya Upaniṣad, particularly his exposition on the mahāvākyas, reinforces this interpretation, guiding the seeker towards a path of self-inquiry and the ultimate liberation from the cycle of births and deaths.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is seen as a prayer to the Lord, acknowledging His supremacy and omnipresence. Rāmānujācārya, in his Viśiṣṭādvaita Vedānta, views the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Lord) as one of inseparable dependence, where the jīva, though distinct, exists in and for the Īśvara. The verse 'Tatpuruṣāya vidmahe sarvāya tanno ajñānaṁ prāntu' is a expression of devotion, seeking knowledge of the Lord (Purusha) that encompasses all, and pleading for the removal of ignorance that separates the jīva from realizing its true servitorship to the Lord. Madhvācārya, from a Dvaita perspective, would see this as an affirmation of the Lord's grace, necessary for the removal of ajñāna, emphasizing the distinction between the Lord and the souls, yet underscoring the dependence of souls on the Lord's mercy for liberation.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda and S. Radhakrishnan, key figures of Neo-Vedānta, interpret this verse in the context of its universal and practical application to modern life. Vivekānanda, in his lectures, often emphasized the importance of realizing one's true nature, which is divine. He saw the pursuit of knowledge and the removal of ignorance as central to individual and societal progress. The verse, for him, symbolizes the human aspiration for transcendence and self-realization. Similarly, S. Radhakrishnan, in his philosophical works, highlights the relevance of Upaniṣadic teachings to contemporary life, advocating for a synthesis of reason and intuition. He views the verse as an exhortation to seek the ultimate reality, not just as a metaphysical concept, but as a living experience that transforms human consciousness, leading to a more compassionate, equitable, and enlightened world. Both thinkers underscore the importance of self-awareness and the pursuit of knowledge in overcoming the limitations and ignorance that hinder human fulfillment.

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