tat puruṣāya dṛṣṭa-adṛṣṭa-vācakaṃ niṣedha-vācakaṃ ca śāstram

śāstram (the scripture) tat puruṣāya (for that person) dṛṣṭa (visible) -adṛṣṭa (and invisible) -vācakaṃ (describing) niṣedha (prohibiting) -vācakaṃ (and describing) ca (also)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Praśnopaniṣad highlights the ultimate reality that underlies both the seen and the unseen, which Śaṅkarācārya interprets as the non-dual Brahman. In his commentary on the Taittirīya Upaniṣad, Śaṅkara explains that the seen and the unseen are mere appearances, and the ultimate truth lies beyond these dualities. This verse points to the Brahman-ātman identity, where the individual self (ātman) is ultimately one with the universal reality (Brahman). Śaṅkara's reasoning emphasizes the removal of avidyā (ignorance) to realize this non-dual truth, which is in line with the negation (niṣedha) mentioned in this verse. By understanding the seen and the unseen as mere manifestations of the ultimate reality, one can transcend the limitations of the empirical world and realize the unity of existence.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is seen as an expression of the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his Śrī Bhāṣya, interprets the seen and the unseen as the realms of samsāra (the cycle of birth and death) and the ultimate goal of liberation, respectively. The negation (niṣedha) in this verse refers to the rejection of the idea that the jīva is independent of Īśvara. According to Rāmānujācārya, the śāstra (scripture) guides the jīva to realize its dependence on Īśvara and ultimately attain liberation through devotion and self-surrender. This verse, therefore, is seen as a call to devotion and a reminder of the jīva's ultimate goal of union with the Supreme Lord.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse has universal and practical implications for contemporary life, as emphasized by Swami Vivekānanda and S. Rādhākrishnan. Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Upaniṣads, highlights the importance of recognizing the unity of existence that underlies the seen and the unseen. He interprets the negation (niṣedha) in this verse as a call to transcend the limitations of the ego and the empirical world, and to realize the ultimate truth that lies beyond. Rādhākrishnan, in his writings on the Upaniṣads, emphasizes the relevance of this verse to modern life, where individuals are often caught between the mundane and the spiritual. This verse, according to Rādhākrishnan, reminds us of the importance of balancing the seen and the unseen, the worldly and the spiritual, to achieve a holistic and integrated life.

More from this source