satyam vada dharmaṃ cara na vidyayā vṛṇīmahe nāste vṛṇīmahe ratnam na dhanaṃ na vidyayā

ahaṃ (I) satyam (truth) vada (should speak), dharmaṃ (righteousness) cara (should follow),na (not) vidyayā (with knowledge) vṛṇīmahe (we choose),na (not) aste (to us) vṛṇīmahe (we choose) ratnam (a jewel),na (not) dhanaṃ (wealth) na (not) vidyayā (with knowledge) vṛṇīmahe (we choose)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Chāndogyopaniṣad underscores the importance of adhering to truth and dharma, which, according to Shankara, are essential for the realization of the ultimate reality, Brahman. Shankara's commentary on this Upaniṣad emphasizes the non-dual nature of reality, suggesting that the pursuit of wealth or external knowledge (vidyā) without the pursuit of truth and righteousness (dharma) is futile. The phrase 'na vidyayā vṛṇīmahe' indicates that knowledge, if not rooted in dharma, is not the means to the ultimate end. This aligns with Shankara's interpretation of the Upaniṣads, which posits that the knowledge of Brahman is the ultimate aim, and this knowledge is realized through the adherence to dharma and the renunciation of worldly attachments. Thus, the verse points to the identity of Brahman and Ātman, implying that true knowledge is the understanding of this non-dual reality, beyond the distinctions of wealth, knowledge, or social status.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition, particularly through the lens of Rāmānujācārya, views this verse as emphasizing the importance of devotion and service to Īśvara (the Supreme Lord) as the ultimate dharma. For Rāmānuja, the practice of truth and dharma is not merely a moral or ethical exercise but a means of cultivating love and devotion for God. The rejection of wealth and knowledge not grounded in dharma reflects the importance of self-surrender and detachment from worldly possessions and egoistic knowledge claims. Rāmānuja's interpretation of the Bhagavad Gītā and the Upaniṣads stresses the personal relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara, suggesting that all actions, including the pursuit of knowledge, should be dedicated to the service of the Lord. Thus, speaking the truth and following dharma are essential aspects of bhakti (devotion), leading to the ultimate goal of mokṣa (liberation) through the grace of Īśvara.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, a key figure in Neo-Vedānta, would interpret this verse as a call to practical action and moral integrity in everyday life. He emphasized the importance of living a life of truth and righteousness, not merely as moral maxims but as the foundation for individual and societal transformation. In his lectures and writings, Vivekānanda often stressed the need for individuals to cultivate inner strength and character, rooted in the pursuit of knowledge that is grounded in dharma. This, he believed, would lead to a more harmonious and equitable society, where the pursuit of wealth and knowledge is guided by a sense of social responsibility and the well-being of all. Similarly, S. Rādhākrishnan highlighted the universal applicability of such Upaniṣadic teachings, suggesting that they offer a framework for living a meaningful and ethical life, relevant across cultures and time. Thus, this verse is seen as a universal message, encouraging individuals to reflect on the values and principles that guide their lives and actions, and to strive for a balance between personal aspiration and the common good.

More from this source