Eko - Devaḥ - Sargo - Rajaḥ - Puruṣaḥ

Devaḥ (the Lord) eko (is one) sargo (the creation) rajaḥ (the sustaining power) puruṣaḥ (the embodied soul/anthropomorphic form)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, 'eko devaḥ sargo rajaḥ puruṣaḥ', is pivotal in establishing the non-dual nature of reality. According to Shankara, the term 'eko devaḥ' (The One Deity) signifies the ultimate reality, Brahman, which is beyond all distinctions and dualities. The phrase 'sargo rajaḥ' (creation is His material nature) points to the world as a manifestation of Brahman's power, suggesting that creation is not separate from the creator. The term 'puruṣaḥ' (the individual self) indicates the identity between the individual self (jīva) and the supreme self (Brahman), a concept central to Advaita Vedanta. Shankara's commentary on the Taittirīyopaniṣad emphasizes that this verse teaches us to look beyond the apparent multiplicity of the world and to realize the unity of all existence in Brahman. This realization is the key to liberation, as it allows the individual to transcend the limitations of the ego and experience the ultimate reality.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is understood in the context of the relationship between the individual self (jīva) and the supreme Lord (Īśvara). Rāmānujācārya interprets 'eko devaḥ' as referring to the one supreme deity, Viṣṇu, who is the source and sustainer of all creation. The term 'sargo rajaḥ' highlights the dependent relationship between creation and the Lord, with the world being a manifestation of His energy. 'Puruṣaḥ' signifies the individual self, which, though distinct from the Lord, is intimately related to Him. According to Rāmānujācārya, the realization of this relationship leads to a life of devotion and service to the Lord, culminating in eternal communion with Him. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, emphasizes the real difference between the Lord and the individual self, yet both agree on the central importance of devotion and the recognition of the Lord's supremacy in this verse.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda saw this verse as a call to realize the unity and divinity that underlies all existence. According to him, 'eko devaḥ' symbolizes the one universal consciousness that pervades every being and thing. 'Sargo rajaḥ' represents the dynamic, creative power of this consciousness, which manifests as the world. 'Puruṣaḥ' signifies the individual's potential to realize this universal consciousness within oneself. Vivekānanda emphasized the practical application of this verse, urging individuals to strive for self-realization and to serve humanity, recognizing the divine in every being. Similarly, S. Radhakrishnan interpreted this verse as a reminder of the intrinsic worth and dignity of every individual, grounded in the universal spirit. He advocated for a life of service, compassion, and intellectual curiosity, believing that such a life would reflect the universal principles hinted at in this ancient verse, making it relevant to contemporary life and its challenges.

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