tato yato niścalatān sūṣuptiṁ gacchanti sarve

sarve (all) yato (from which) niścalatān (unmoving) sūṣuptiṁ (sleep) gacchanti (go) tato (then)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Taittirīyopaniṣad underscores the non-dual nature of reality by indicating that all beings, in their deep sleep state (sūṣupti), return to a unified, unchanging essence. Shankara, in his commentary on the Taittirīyopaniṣad, emphasizes that in this state, the distinctions and divisions that characterize the waking and dream states are transcended, and the individual selves (ātmans) are one with the ultimate reality, Brahman. The phrase 'niścalatān' (unchanging) is particularly significant as it points to the eternal, unchanging nature of Brahman, which is the ultimate substratum of all existence. Thus, this verse supports the Advaita doctrine of the identity of Brahman and ātman, suggesting that in the deepest level of consciousness, all individual selves are unified in the unchanging, all-pervading Brahman.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition, particularly through the lenses of Rāmānujācārya and Madhvācārya, interprets this verse with a emphasis on the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the personal God). Rāmānuja sees this verse as indicating the innate dependence of the jīva on Īśvara, where in the state of deep sleep, the jīva, in its return to its natural state, is completely dependent on God for its existence. This dependence underscores the Bhedābheda (difference-in-identity) relationship between the jīva and Īśvara, where individual souls are both distinct from yet inseparable from the divine. Madhva, on the other hand, would interpret the 'niścalatān' as referring to the immutable and all-pervading nature of Vishnu, towards whom all beings are drawn in their deep sleep state, symbolizing the soul's innate longing for union with its Lord.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda and S. Rādhākrishnan, key figures in the Neo-Vedānta movement, would interpret this verse in a universal and practical light. Vivekānanda, in his lectures, often emphasized the universal principles that underlie all religious and philosophical traditions. He might see this verse as pointing to the common human experience of seeking unity and rest, which is reflected in the deep sleep state. This universal longing for peace and unity is, according to Vivekānanda, a call to realize our deeper, spiritual nature. Rādhākrishnan, with his emphasis on the synthesis of Eastern and Western thought, would likely view this verse as highlighting the eternal and unchanging aspect of human consciousness, which transcends the fleeting and changing world of sensory experience. Both thinkers would encourage the reader to apply the insights from this verse to contemporary life, fostering a deeper sense of unity and purpose among all people.

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