nityo vṛkṣaḥ sanātanaḥ

sanātanaḥ (eternal) vṛkṣaḥ (tree) nityo (permanent) eva (indeed)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In his commentary on the Muṇḍakopaniṣad, Śaṅkara interprets this verse as underscoring the eternal and unchanging nature of ultimate reality, which he identifies as Brahman. The 'Tree' (vṛkṣaḥ) symbolizes the universe, which, despite its apparent changes, has an underlying, unalterable essence. This essence is the same as the Ātman, or the Self, highlighting the non-dualistic (Advaita) perspective that the individual self (jīva) and the ultimate reality (Brahman) are, in truth, one and the same. Śaṅkara's reasoning, as seen in his commentary on the Brahmasūtras, supports this interpretation by arguing that any perceived duality between the self and the world is due to ignorance (avidyā), and true knowledge (vidyā) reveals their unity. Thus, this verse points to the ultimate goal of realizing the identity of Brahman and Ātman, freeing the individual from the cycle of birth and death.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): From a Vaiṣṇava perspective, particularly through the lens of Rāmānujācārya's Viśiṣṭādvaita Vedānta, the 'Tree' in this verse can be seen as a metaphor for the universe, with its 'eternal and ancient' nature highlighting the perpetual and unchanging relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Lord, often identified as Viṣṇu in Vaiṣṇavism). Rāmānujācārya, in his Śrī Bhāṣya, emphasizes that while the universe undergoes cycles of creation and dissolution, the fundamental relationship between the soul and God remains constant, reflecting the 'nitya' and 'sanātana' (eternal and ancient) aspects of the divine. This perspective underscores the devotional path, where the recognition of this eternal relationship fosters devotion and ultimately leads to liberation. For Madhvācārya, the Dvaita philosopher, this verse might also be interpreted through the lens of the real distinction between the individual souls and God, yet the verse's implication of an eternal order still points to the necessity of acknowledging and worshiping the Supreme Being.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the universal applicability of ancient Indian scriptures. This verse, with its depiction of the 'Tree' as 'eternal and ancient,' can be seen as a powerful metaphor for the enduring and unchanged essence of human existence amidst the flux of the world. Vivekānanda, in his 'Complete Works,' frequently stresses the importance of realizing this eternal core within oneself, which he identifies with the Ātman. This realization, he argues, leads to a profound sense of unity and interconnectedness among all beings, transcending temporal and spatial boundaries. Similarly, S. Radhakrishnan, in his philosophical works, interprets such verses as pointing towards the ultimate reality that underlies all existence, which is both the source and the goal of human aspiration. The practical application of this verse, in the context of contemporary life, lies in its reminder of the importance of seeking what is eternal and unchanging within ourselves and in the world, thereby finding peace, unity, and ultimate fulfillment.

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