Satyam vada Dharmaṃ cara Nānṛtyāt pratigraḥāt Etasya mahato brahmaṇaḥ ekāntam

Vada (say) satyam (truth) Cara (follow) dharmaṃ (righteousness) Pratigraḥāt (from accepting) nānṛtyāt (falsehood) Etasya (of this) mahato (great) brahmaṇaḥ (Brahman) ekāntam (the ultimate reality)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Chāndogyopaniṣad is pivotal in establishing the non-dual nature of reality. Shankara, in his commentary on this Upaniṣad, emphasizes the importance of satyam (truth) and dharma (righteous living) as means to realize the ultimate reality, Brahman. The phrase 'ekāntam' (one shore) signifies the ultimate goal, where the distinctions between the individual self (ātman) and Brahman are transcended. According to Shankara, following dharma and speaking the truth are not ends in themselves but are means to purify the mind and prepare it for the realization of the identity of ātman and Brahman. This realization is the 'one shore' where all dualities, including the distinction between the individual and the absolute, are overcome. Shankara's commentary on the Taittirīya Upaniṣad further elucidates this concept, highlighting that the pursuit of truth and adherence to dharma are essential for the spiritual seeker to grasp the ultimate non-dual reality.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is seen as a call to devotion and righteous living as a means to achieve proximity to Īśvara (the Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his interpretation, emphasizes the importance of truthfulness and adherence to dharma as essential qualities for a devotee. The 'one shore' of Brahman signifies the ultimate refuge or goal, where the jīva (individual soul) finds its peace and liberation in the service and love of Īśvara. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, might interpret the verse with a stronger emphasis on the distinction between the jīva and Īśvara, highlighting that while following dharma and speaking the truth are crucial, they are intermediary steps towards recognizing one's dependence on and devotion to the supreme Lord. For both, the verse underscores the devotional path as a means to realize one's true relationship with the divine.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda and S. Radhakrishnan, key figures in Neo-Vedānta, interpret this verse in the context of its universal and practical applications. Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the importance of living a truthful and dharmic life as a foundation for spiritual growth and service to humanity. He saw this verse as a call to action, where the pursuit of truth and adherence to righteous living are not merely personal virtues but contribute to the betterment of society. Radhakrishnan, with his philosophical inclinations, might view the 'one shore' of Brahman as a symbol of the universal consciousness that underlies all existence. For him, the verse suggests that through the cultivation of truth and dharma, individuals can transcend their limited selves and experience a sense of unity and interconnectedness with all of existence, thus realizing the universal applicability of this ancient wisdom in contemporary life.

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