Tatpuruṣāya vidmahe vāyu-vrājāya dhīmahi Tanno vāyuḥ pracodayāt

Tat-puruṣāya (to that Supreme Being) vidmahe (we know) vāyu-vrājāya (who is the King of the Winds) dhīmahi (may we meditate on) Tanno (that) vāyuḥ (Wind or Life Force) pracodayāt (may inspire or guide us)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Praśnopaniṣad is crucial in establishing the non-dual nature of reality. Śaṅkara, in his commentary on the Upaniṣads, interprets 'Tatpuruṣāya' as the Supreme Being, which is none other than Brahman. The meditation on 'vāyuvrājāya' signifies the omnipresence of Brahman, akin to the all-pervading wind. By stating 'Tanno vāyuḥ pracodayāt', the verse implies that this realization of Brahman's omnipresence should inspire and guide us. Śaṅkara's reasoning emphasizes that the ultimate reality is not a distant entity but the very essence of our being, the Ātman, which is identical with Brahman. This understanding leads to the dissolution of the individual ego and the realization of the non-dual nature of existence. Through this verse, Śaṅkara underscores the importance of contemplating the universal and all-encompassing nature of Brahman to attain liberation.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava perspective, particularly as interpreted by Rāmānujācārya, this verse from the Praśnopaniṣad highlights the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). 'Tatpuruṣāya' refers to the Supreme Being, Viṣṇu, who is the object of devotion and knowledge. The 'vāyuvrājāya' represents the mighty and omnipresent power of God, akin to the wind that is felt everywhere but not seen. The phrase 'Tanno vāyuḥ pracodayāt' is an expression of dependence on God's grace for inspiration and guidance. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary, would likely emphasize the importance of bhakti (devotion) and prapatti (surrender) to achieve a loving relationship with the Divine, recognizing the jīva's inherent dependence on Īśvara for liberation. This verse thus encourages a devotional approach to understanding and connecting with the ultimate reality.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda and S. Radhakrishnan, key figures in modern Vedānta, would interpret this verse in a universal and practical light. Vivekānanda, known for his emphasis on the potential of the human soul, would see 'Tatpuruṣāya' as the divine within every being, waiting to be realized. The 'vāyuvrājāya' symbolizes the untapped potential and power that resides within each individual, much like the wind that can move mountains when harnessed. 'Tanno vāyuḥ pracodayāt' becomes a call to action, urging individuals to tap into their inner strength, inspired by the universal spirit. Radhakrishnan, focusing on the philosophical aspects, would highlight the importance of realizing one's true nature and the interconnectedness of all existence. This verse, to him, underscores the necessity of a harmonious balance between the individual's pursuit of truth and the universal good, reflecting the unity and diversity of human experience.

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