tat puruṣaḥ tva eva idam sarvam yat bhūtam yacca bhavyam

tat puruṣaḥ (that Person) eva (alone) idam (this) sarvam (everything) yat (which) bhūtam (has come into existence) yacca (and) bhavyam (which will come into existence) tva (is)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In his commentary on the Praśnopaniṣad, Shankara interprets 'tat-puruṣaḥ' as the ultimate reality, Brahman, which is the essence of the universe. He argues that the phrase 'tva eva idam sarvam' indicates the non-dual nature of reality, where the distinction between the individual self (jīva) and the ultimate reality (Brahman) is transcended. This verse, according to Shankara, points to the identity of Brahman and Ātman, emphasizing that the individual self is not separate from the ultimate reality. He cites the example of the clay and the pot, where the clay is the essential material that constitutes the pot, illustrating the relationship between Brahman and the world. In his Brahmasūtra Bhāṣya, Shankara further elaborates on this concept, highlighting the importance of understanding the non-dual nature of reality to attain liberation. This verse, in the context of Advaita Vedānta, serves as a reminder of the ultimate reality that underlies all existence.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya): Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Brahma Sūtras, interprets 'tat-puruṣaḥ' as the Supreme Lord, Nārāyāṇa, who is the controller and sustainer of the universe. He understands 'tva eva idam sarvam' as an indication of the Lord's omnipresence and the dependence of the world on Him. This verse, according to Rāmānuja, highlights the relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Lord), where the jīva is in a state of dependence on Īśvara. Rāmānuja's commentary emphasizes the devotional aspect of this relationship, where the jīva seeks to attain liberation through devotion to Īśvara. In his Śrī Bhāṣya, Rāmānuja further explores the concept of the Lord's control over the world, citing examples from the Upaniṣads and the Bhagavad Gītā. This verse, in the context of Vaiṣṇava tradition, serves as a reminder of the Lord's supremacy and the importance of devotion in achieving liberation.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Upaniṣads, interprets 'tat-puruṣaḥ' as the universal consciousness that underlies all existence. He understands 'tva eva idam sarvam' as an indication of the unity and interdependence of all things. This verse, according to Vivekānanda, points to the universal and practical application of the Upaniṣadic teachings, emphasizing the importance of recognizing the divine in all beings. In his book 'The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda', he writes about the importance of realizing this unity in daily life, citing the example of the wave and the ocean, where the wave is not separate from the ocean. S. Rādhākrishnan, in his book 'Indian Philosophy', further elaborates on this concept, highlighting the relevance of the Upaniṣadic teachings to contemporary life. This verse, in the context of Neo-Vedānta, serves as a reminder of the universal consciousness that underlies all existence and the importance of realizing this unity in daily life.

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