tat yathā sarveṣām api hṛdayāni prāṇo hi sarveṣām api tena sarvāṇi bhūtāni prāṇena eva sañjīvayan

tat (that) yathā (just as) prāṇoḥ (the life force) hi (indeed) sarveṣām (of all) api (also) hṛdayāni (hearts) sarveṣām (of all) api (also) tena (by that) prāṇena (life force) eva (alone) sarvāṇi (all) bhūtāni (beings) sañjīvayan (bringing to life)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Praśnopaniṣad underscores the non-dual nature of reality, emphasizing that just as the heart is essential for the life of individual beings, the Prana (life force) is fundamental to all existence. Shankara, in his commentary on the Upaniṣads, would argue that this points to the ultimate reality of Brahman as the singular life-force or consciousness that pervades all. The identity of Brahman and Ātman is highlighted here, as the Prana, which is an aspect of the divine, animates all beings. This interpretation aligns with Shankara's broader philosophical stance that the distinctions between individual selves and the ultimate reality are illusory, and that the realization of this non-dual truth (Advaita) is the path to liberation. By emphasizing the universal role of Prana, this verse supports the Advaita Vedānta perspective that all existence is interconnected and fundamentally one.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava interpretation of this verse focuses on the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Lord). According to Rāmānujācārya, the life force or Prana that animates all beings is a manifestation of Īśvara's grace. This understanding underscores the dependence of the jīva on Īśvara for its very existence. The verse, in the Vaiṣṇava view, teaches a doctrine of loving dependence on the divine, where the recognition of one's existence as sustained by the divine life force fosters a deep sense of devotion and surrender. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, might interpret this verse in terms of the difference (bheda) between the individual souls and the Supreme Lord, emphasizing that while the Prana is common to all, it is Īśvara who is the ultimate source and sustainer of this life force. The Vaiṣṇava tradition thus sees this verse as reinforcing the personal relationship between the soul and God, with the Prana symbolizing the divine grace that connects them.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda and Sarvepalli Rādhākrishnan, key figures in Neo-Vedānta, would interpret this verse in the context of its universal and practical applications. Vivekānanda, known for his emphasis on service to humanity, might see the concept of Prana as a call to recognize the unity of all life and the responsibility that comes with it. He would argue that understanding the common life force that animates all beings should inspire compassion, empathy, and action to uplift humanity. Rādhākrishnan, with his philosophical bent, would delve into the metaphysical implications of this verse, seeing the Prana as a symbol of the universal consciousness that underpins all existence. He would argue that this realization can guide individuals towards a more harmonious and balanced life, where the recognition of the interconnectedness of all beings fosters global understanding and peace. Both thinkers would emphasize the relevance of this ancient wisdom to contemporary life, encouraging individuals to find meaning and purpose in the service of a larger whole, inspired by the universal principles enunciated in this verse.

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