nānātmanah khalu idaṃ śarīraṃ susaṃrūḍham | athāsya sarvasya vaśe sā ātmā

sāātmā(this Self) khalunānātmanah(indeed is not many; one) idamśarīram(this body) susaṃrūḍham(well-established) atha(then) asyasarvasya(of all these) vaśe(in control)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): The verse 'nānātmanah khalu idaṃ śarīraṃ susaṃrūḍham | athāsya sarvasya vaśe sā ātmā' from the Muṇḍakopaniṣad underscores the non-dual nature of reality by highlighting the distinction between the composite, multifaceted body and the singular, controlling Self. According to Shankara, this verse points to the brahman-ātman identity by emphasizing that despite the body's complexity, it is the ātman that exercises control over it. In his commentary on the Taittirīya Upaniṣad, Shankara explains that the ātman is the essence that gives life to the body and is not limited by its multifaceted nature. This understanding is crucial for realizing the ultimate truth of non-duality, where the individual self (jīva) is not separate from the universal Self (Brahman). By recognizing the ātman as the controller of the body, one moves closer to understanding the absolute reality that underlies all existence.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): This verse is pivotal in the Vaiṣṇava tradition as it delineates the relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Brahmasūtras, interprets this verse as indicating the dependence of the body and its functions on the will of Īśvara, who is the ultimate controller. The body, composed of many parts, is a complex entity that operates under the guidance of the Self, which is, in turn, guided by Īśvara. This interpretation emphasizes the devotional aspect, where the recognition of Īśvara's sovereignty over all creation, including the individual self, leads to a deeper devotion and surrender to the divine will. In contrast, Madhvācārya might interpret the verse with a stronger emphasis on the distinction between the jīva and Īśvara, highlighting the real difference between the individual self and the Supreme Lord, while still maintaining the controlling aspect of Īśvara over all existence.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse offers a profound insight into the nature of human existence and its potential for spiritual growth. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the importance of recognizing the ātman as the true Self, beyond the limitations of the physical body. He saw this verse as a call to transcend the boundaries of the material world and to realize one's true nature, which is divine and all-encompassing. In contemporary terms, this verse invites us to look beyond the external complexities and distractions of life and to seek the inner controller, the ātman, which is the source of all strength, wisdom, and peace. S. Radhakrishnan, in his philosophical works, builds upon this idea by arguing that the recognition of the ātman as the ultimate reality is not just a philosophical concept but a lived experience that can be achieved through self-reflection, meditation, and a commitment to living a life of integrity and compassion. This verse, therefore, has a universal and practical application, encouraging individuals to seek the deeper, unifying principle that underlies all human existence.

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