saḥ ātmā tamasaḥ parastāt viśvataḥ vidyāt

saḥ (that) ātmā (Self) tamasaḥ (from darkness) parastāt (beyond) viśvataḥ (on all sides) vidyāt (should be known)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In his commentary on the Muṇḍakopaniṣad, Shankara emphasizes the non-dual reading of this verse, arguing that the Self (ātmā) beyond darkness (tamas) is none other than Brahman. According to Shankara, the darkness referred to here is the ignorance (avidyā) that veils the true nature of the Self. This verse, therefore, points to the ultimate reality of the brahman-ātman identity, where the individual self is not separate from the universal Brahman. Shankara's reasoning is based on the idea that the Self is not bound by the limitations of the material world, but is instead the unchanging, all-pervading essence that underlies all existence. This interpretation is in line with Shankara's overall philosophy of non-dualism, which posits that the ultimate reality is a unified, undivided whole.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is often interpreted in the context of the relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Lord). Ramanuja, for example, sees the Self beyond darkness as the jīva that has attained liberation through devotion to Īśvara. According to Ramanuja, the darkness referred to in the verse is the ignorance and suffering that results from the jīva's separation from Īśvara. The verse, therefore, points to the ultimate goal of human existence, which is to realize one's true nature as a servant of Īśvara and to attain liberation through devotion and self-surrender. Madhva, on the other hand, takes a more dualistic approach, emphasizing the eternally distinct relationship between the jīva and Īśvara. For Madhva, the verse highlights the importance of recognizing the supremacy of Īśvara and the dependence of the jīva on Him for liberation.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): In his lectures and writings, Swami Vivekananda often emphasized the universal and practical application of this verse. According to Vivekananda, the Self beyond darkness represents the highest potential of human consciousness, which is beyond the limitations of the material world. This verse, therefore, points to the possibility of realizing one's true nature as a being of light and wisdom, unencumbered by the darkness of ignorance and suffering. Vivekananda sees this realization as the ultimate goal of human existence, and argues that it can be achieved through the practice of meditation, self-inquiry, and service to others. Radhakrishnan, on the other hand, takes a more philosophical approach, arguing that the verse represents a call to transcend the limitations of the ego and to realize one's true nature as a being of universal consciousness. For Radhakrishnan, the verse has profound implications for contemporary life, highlighting the importance of cultivating a sense of unity and interconnectedness with all existence.

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