etad vai khalu mahā-mantraṁ yat ucyate | etan-mantreṇa yajuṣā sarvāṇi bhūtāni sṛṣṭāni

etad (this) vai (indeed) khalu (certainly) mahā-mantraṁ (great mantra) yat (which) ucyate (is said) | etan-mantreṇa (by this mantra) yajuṣā (with the Vajur-Veda) sarvāṇi (all) bhūtāni (beings) sṛṣṭāni (were created)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Praśnopaniṣad underscores the non-dual nature of reality. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Upaniṣads, emphasizes that the mahāmantra refers to the ultimate reality, Brahman. The phrase 'etanmantreṇa' indicates that this reality is the source of all creation. The identity of Brahman and Ātman is central to Śaṅkara's philosophy, and this verse supports the idea that the individual self (jīva) is not separate from the universal Self (Brahman). Śaṅkara's reasoning on this verse is rooted in the idea that the universe is a manifestation of Brahman, and the realization of this truth is the key to liberation. In his commentary on the Taittirīya Upaniṣad, Śaṅkara writes that the knowledge of Brahman is the ultimate goal, and this verse from the Praśnopaniṣad serves as a pointer towards that goal. By understanding the non-dual nature of reality, one can realize the identity of Brahman and Ātman, leading to liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition interprets this verse as emphasizing the role of Īśvara (the Lord) in creation. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Brahma Sūtra, explains that the mahāmantra refers to the divine name of the Lord, which is the source of all creation. The phrase 'sarvāṇi bhūtāni sṛṣṭāni' indicates that the Lord has created all beings, and the jīva (individual self) has a dependent relationship with Īśvara. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, emphasizes the distinction between the Lord and the jīva, highlighting the role of devotion (bhakti) in achieving liberation. In his commentary on the Praśnopaniṣad, Madhva writes that the realization of the Lord's majesty and the jīva's dependence on Him is essential for spiritual growth. This verse serves as a reminder of the Lord's omnipotence and the jīva's need for devotion and surrender.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse from the Praśnopaniṣad has a profound universal and practical application. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Upaniṣads, emphasizes the idea that the mahāmantra represents the universal energy that underlies all creation. The phrase 'etanmantreṇa' indicates that this energy is the source of all life and consciousness. Vivekānanda writes that the realization of this energy is the key to unlocking human potential and achieving spiritual growth. S. Rādhākrishnan, in his commentary on the Upaniṣads, highlights the importance of this verse in promoting a sense of unity and interconnectedness among all beings. In his book 'The Principal Upaniṣads', Rādhākrishnan writes that this verse reminds us of the common thread that runs through all creation, and the need to recognize and respect this unity in our daily lives. By applying the principles of this verse, we can cultivate a deeper sense of empathy, compassion, and cooperation, leading to a more harmonious and peaceful world.

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