athā + tato + brahma + jijñāsā

athā (now) tato (therefore) brahma (of Brahman) jijñāsā (the inquiry)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In his commentary on the Muṇḍakopaniṣad, Śaṅkarācārya interprets the verse 'athāto brahma jijñāsā' as an invitation to inquire into the ultimate reality of Brahman. For Śaṅkarācārya, this inquiry is not about discovering a new object of knowledge, but rather about realizing the identity of the individual self (ātman) with the absolute reality (Brahman). He argues that the phrase 'athāto' implies a sense of urgency and necessity, emphasizing that the pursuit of Brahman is the most important endeavor for human beings. By inquiring into Brahman, one can overcome the limitations of the finite self and realize the non-dual nature of reality, thereby achieving liberation. This verse, in Śaṅkarācārya's view, points to the central teaching of Advaita Vedānta: the identity of Brahman and ātman.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya): Rāmānujācārya, a prominent Vaiṣṇava philosopher, understands the verse 'athāto brahma jijñāsā' as a call to devote oneself to the worship and contemplation of the supreme Lord (Īśvara). For Rāmānujācārya, Brahman is not just an abstract concept, but a personal deity who is the object of devotion and love. The phrase 'athāto' suggests a sense of devotion and surrender, emphasizing the importance of cultivating a personal relationship with God. In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, Rāmānujācārya argues that the pursuit of knowledge (jñāna) is not an end in itself, but rather a means to attain devotion (bhakti) and ultimately, liberation. This verse, in Rāmānujācārya's view, highlights the importance of combining knowledge and devotion in the pursuit of spiritual growth.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda): Swami Vivekānanda interprets the verse 'athāto brahma jijñāsā' as a call to self-discovery and self-realization. For Vivekānanda, the pursuit of Brahman is not just a philosophical or theological exercise, but a practical and universal quest for human fulfillment. In his lecture 'The Ideal of a Universal Religion', Vivekānanda argues that the realization of Brahman is not limited to any particular tradition or culture, but is a universal aspiration that transcends all boundaries. The phrase 'athāto' suggests a sense of immediacy and urgency, emphasizing the importance of taking action in the present moment to realize one's true nature. This verse, in Vivekānanda's view, points to the importance of cultivating a sense of unity and interconnectedness with all existence, and of recognizing the divine within oneself and in all beings.

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