Satyam vada Dharmaṃ cara Na svargāya na mokṣāya Svargo mokṣaś ca gacchatāṃ yena Na tad vṛṇve Yat svargāya mokṣāya

Tvam (you) satyam (truth) vada (speak)Dharmaṃ (righteousness) cara (practice)Na (not) svargāya (for heaven) na (not) mokṣāya (for liberation)Yena (by which) svargaḥ (heaven) mokṣaś ca (and liberation) gacchatāṃ (are attained)Na (not) tat (that) vṛṇve (I choose)Yat (which) svargāya (for heaven) mokṣāya (and for liberation)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In his commentary on the Chāndogyopaniṣad, Shankara interprets this verse as an affirmation of the non-dual nature of reality. By saying 'Speak the truth, follow dharma,' the verse is pointing towards the ultimate reality that underlies all actions and thoughts. The phrase 'do not aim for heaven or liberation' is seen as a rejection of the idea that the ultimate goal is something external or separate from the self. Shankara argues that the attainment of heaven or liberation is not the ultimate goal, but rather the realization of one's true nature, which is identical with Brahman. This verse, according to Shankara, is pointing towards the brahman-ātman identity, where the individual self (ātman) is ultimately one with the universal reality (Brahman). This interpretation is in line with Shankara's overall non-dualistic philosophy, where the distinctions between the individual self and the ultimate reality are seen as illusory.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is seen as emphasizing the importance of devotion and selfless action. Ramanuja, in his commentary on the Chāndogyopaniṣad, interprets the verse as a call to follow dharma without attachment to personal gain or reward, including the attainment of heaven or liberation. The phrase 'whoever attains heaven or liberation does so not for my sake' is seen as an expression of the Lord's (Īśvara) indifference to personal gain, and a reminder that the ultimate goal is to please the Lord through selfless action. Madhva, on the other hand, emphasizes the distinction between the Lord and the individual self (jīva), and sees this verse as a call to recognize and worship the Lord's supremacy. In both cases, the verse is seen as emphasizing the importance of devotion and selfless action, and the ultimate goal of attaining the Lord's grace and loving devotion.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekananda, in his lectures on the Upaniṣads, interprets this verse as a call to action and selflessness. He argues that the verse is pointing towards the importance of living a life of truth, non-attachment, and selfless service. The phrase 'do not aim for heaven or liberation' is seen as a rejection of the idea that the ultimate goal is something external or selfish, and instead, emphasizes the importance of living in the present moment and serving others. Radhakrishnan, in his writings, emphasizes the universal and practical application of this verse, and sees it as a call to recognize the interconnectedness of all human beings and the importance of living a life of compassion and empathy. Both Vivekananda and Radhakrishnan connect this verse to contemporary life, arguing that it has relevance to modern social and political issues, such as the importance of truth-telling, non-violence, and selfless service.

More from this source