Na dvaītā nādvaītā niskaliṣa niskalaḥ Ajo nityaḥ puruṣo'yam ātmaivaiva sarvataḥ

Na (not) dvaītā (dualism) na (nor) advaita (non-dualism) niskaliṣa (free from impurities) niskalaḥ (without parts) Ajo (unborn) nityaḥ (eternal) puruṣo'yam (this person), ātmaiva (Self alone) eva (indeed) sarvataḥ (everywhere)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In his commentary on the Muṇḍakopaniṣad, Śaṅkara interprets this verse as affirming the ultimate non-dual reality of Brahman. The phrase 'na dvaītā nādvaītā' is particularly significant, as it negates both duality and non-duality as applicable categories for understanding the ultimate reality. Śaṅkara argues that such distinctions are merely conceptual and do not apply to the absolute reality of Brahman, which is beyond all human conceptions. This verse, in Śaṅkara's view, points to the identity of Brahman and Ātman, underscoring the central Advaita doctrine that the individual self (jīva) is not fundamentally different from the ultimate reality (Brahman). By stating 'ātmaivaiva sarvataḥ', the verse emphasizes that this reality is all-pervasive and the essence of all existence, reinforcing the non-dual understanding of reality.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): Rāmānujācārya's interpretation of this verse focuses on the relationship between the individual soul (jīva) and the Supreme Lord (Īśvara). Rāmānuja sees the description of Puruṣa as 'ajo nityaḥ' (birthless and eternal) as emphasizing the eternal and unchanging nature of both the jīva and Īśvara. The phrase 'na dvaītā nādvaītā' is understood in the context of viśiṣṭādvaita, or qualified non-dualism, where Rāmānuja posits that the reality is non-dual in essence but contains distinct attributes and manifestations. This verse highlights the devotional aspect, where the jīva recognizes its inherent dependence on and inseparability from Īśvara, leading to a profound sense of devotion and self-surrender. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, might interpret the 'na dvaītā nādvaītā' in a more dualistic light, emphasizing the distinctness of the jīva and Īśvara, yet both thinkers would agree on the central importance of bhakti (devotion) in realizing the truth of this verse.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda often spoke about the practical and universal applications of Vedāntic principles. This verse, with its emphasis on the 'ātmaivaiva sarvataḥ' (the Self alone is everywhere), resonates with Vivekānanda's message of the unity of all existence and the potential for human realization of this unity. He would interpret 'na dvaītā nādvaītā' as pointing beyond the limits of philosophical debate to a direct experience of reality, where such distinctions lose meaning. Similarly, S. Rādhākrishnan, in his philosophical writings, connects this verse to the broader theme of the integral unity of existence, arguing that the ultimate reality is not just a philosophical concept but a living, experiential truth that can transform human life. Both thinkers would find in this verse a call to transcend mundane boundaries and realize the universal Self, thereby achieving a state of freedom, peace, and harmony, applicable to the challenges of contemporary life.

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