tad yo vai sarvāṇi bhūtāni tasyai vaśa iha ca deha ihā ca dehāt

tad (that) yo (which) vai (indeed) sarvāṇi (all) bhūtāni (beings) tasyai (to Him) vaśa (under control) iha (here) ca (and) deha (in this body) ihā (here) ca (and) dehāt (beyond this body)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Praśnopaniṣad underscores the non-dual nature of reality, emphasizing that all beings are under the control of the ultimate Self (Brahman). Shankara, in his commentary on the Taittirīya Upaniṣad, explains that the phrase 'tasyai vaśa' (under its control) indicates the total dependence of the universe on Brahman. This dependence is not merely a causal relationship but an ontological one, where the existence of all beings is inextricably linked to Brahman. The distinction made here between 'iha ca deha' (in this body) and 'ihā ca dehāt' (here beyond this body) suggests that the control of Brahman is not limited to the physical realm but extends beyond, encompassing all levels of existence. This understanding points to the Brahman-ātman identity, where the individual self (ātman) is ultimately one with the universal Self (Brahman).

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition interprets this verse in the context of the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his Śrī Bhāṣya, would likely see this verse as affirming the dependent nature of all beings on Īśvara, highlighting the concept of 'śeṣa-śeṣin' (the Lord and the servant), where all jīvas are under the control and guidance of Īśvara. The phrase 'tasyai vaśa' reinforces the idea that Īśvara is the ultimate controller of all, and the distinction between 'iha ca deha' and 'ihā ca dehāt' might suggest the different modes through which Īśvara's control is exercised, both within the material world and beyond. This reading emphasizes the devotional path, encouraging the jīva to recognize and surrender to the will of Īśvara.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Upaniṣads, often emphasized the practical and universal application of such verses. He would likely interpret this verse as a call to recognize the unity and interconnectedness of all existence. The phrase 'sarvāṇi bhūtāni' (all beings) being under the control of a single ultimate reality suggests a cosmic harmony, where every being has its place and role. Vivekānanda would encourage individuals to realize this unity, seeing beyond the distinctions of 'iha ca deha' and 'ihā ca dehāt', and striving for a universal empathy and understanding. This realization, he believed, could transform individual lives and society, fostering a sense of global citizenship and cooperation. Similarly, S. Rādhākrishnan might see in this verse a philosophical basis for internationalism and peace, arguing that recognizing our shared human condition and cosmic context is essential for overcoming conflicts and achieving global harmony.

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