satyam yaśaḥ śreyo lakṣmīḥ pratiṣṭhā yadi ca sarvān guṇān samprāpya

yadi ca (if and) satyam (truth) yaśaḥ (fame) śreyo (goodness) lakṣmīḥ (wealth) pratiṣṭhā (respect) sarvān (all) guṇān (qualities) samprāpya (having obtained)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Chāndogyopaniṣad underscores the non-dual nature of reality by enumerating various attributes such as satyam (truth), yaśaḥ (fame), śreyo (excellence), lakṣmīḥ (wealth), and pratiṣṭhā (repute), culminating in the attainment of all qualities (sarvān guṇān samprāpya). According to Shankara, the pursuit of these worldly attributes is ultimately a misguided attempt to fill the void left by the ignorance of one's true nature. The realization of brahman-ātman identity is the ultimate goal, where the distinctions between the individual self (jīva) and the absolute reality (brahman) dissolve. This verse thus serves as a pointer to the limitations of worldly accomplishments and the necessity of seeking the knowledge of the Self, as emphasized in Shankara's commentary on the Taittirīya Upaniṣad, where he discusses the five sheaths (pañca kośa) that veil the true nature of the Self.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava interpretation, this verse highlights the importance of cultivating virtues and qualities that ultimately lead to the devotion and service of Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his Śrī Bhāṣya, discusses the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara, emphasizing the dependent yet eternal nature of the individual soul. The attainment of all qualities (sarvān guṇān samprāpya) is seen as a state of spiritual maturity where the jīva is fully equipped to serve and love Īśvara. The attributes listed - truth, fame, excellence, wealth, and repute - are considered means to an end, the end being the pleasure of Īśvara and the fulfillment of one's duty (svadharma) as a devotee. This verse is thus seen as an exhortation to pursue a life of virtues and devotion, under the guidance of the Supreme Lord.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the practical applications of Vedāntic principles in everyday life. Regarding this verse, he would likely view the enumeration of attributes such as truth, fame, excellence, wealth, and repute as a call to action for individuals to strive for a holistic development of their personalities. The attainment of all qualities (sarvān guṇān samprāpya) would represent the ideal of a well-rounded and balanced individual, capable of making meaningful contributions to society. In his speech 'The Message of Vivekānanda' at the Parliament of Religions, Vivekānanda underscored the importance of realizing one's inner potential and living a life of service and compassion. This verse, in the context of modern life, serves as a reminder of the importance of cultivating a wide range of qualities to achieve personal growth and to make a positive impact on the world, reflecting Vivekānanda's emphasis on the universal and practical applications of Vedāntic principles.

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