nānāvidhānehi sarve nayanena

sarve (all) nayanena (by the eye) nānāvidhānehi (in various ways)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse (nānāvidhānehi nayanena sarve) underscores the non-dual nature of reality by suggesting that despite the multiplicity of perceivers and perceptions, the ultimate reality remains unified. According to Shankara, the diversity in perceptions (nānāvidhānehi) is a product of the conditioned mind, but the seer (nayanena) behind these perceptions is the same for all beings. In his commentary on the Muṇḍakopaniṣad, Shankara emphasizes that this verse points to the identity of Brahman and Ātman, where the Ātman, or the individual self, is not different from the ultimate reality, Brahman. The verse, therefore, supports the Advaita Vedānta's central thesis of non-duality (advaita), encouraging the seeker to look beyond the multiplicity of experiences to the unified essence that underlies all existence.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is understood through the lens of the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Rāmānujācārya, a key figure in Vaiṣṇava philosophy, interprets the verse as highlighting the dependence of the jīva on Īśvara for all perceptions. The phrase 'nānāvidhānehi nayanena sarve' suggests that despite the diverse ways in which the jīvas perceive the world, the ultimate perceiver (nayanena) is the Lord, indicating a devotional approach where the individual recognizes their perceptions as gifts from the divine. This understanding fosters a sense of humility and surrender among devotees, acknowledging the omnipresence and omniscience of Īśvara. Madhvācārya, another prominent Vaiṣṇava philosopher, might view this verse as emphasizing the real distinction between the Lord and the individual souls, yet affirming the Lord's involvement in the perceptions of all beings.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda and S. Rādhākrishnan, key figures in Neo-Vedānta, interpret this verse as a call to recognize the universal and the eternal in every perception. According to Vivekānanda, the diversity of perceptions (nānāvidhānehi) is a manifestation of the infinite potential of the human mind, and the eye (nayanena) that sees through all these perceptions is the symbol of the inner Self, which is beyond all conditional existence. Rādhākrishnan further elaborates this idea by suggesting that this verse encourages us to move beyond the fragmentation of human experience to a holistic understanding of life, where every individual perception is valued as a unique contribution to the universal tapestry of human knowledge and experience. This reading underscores the practical application of Vedāntic principles in fostering a sense of unity and cooperation among individuals, regardless of their diverse backgrounds and perceptions.

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