Brahma Sūtra 1.4.9

Śaṅkara

Advaita Vedānta

Sūtra

ज्योतिरुपक्रमा तु तथाह्यधीयत एके

jyotirupakramā tu tathāhyadhīyata eke

Sūtra translation

But the (elements) beginning with light (are meant by the term ajâ); for some read so in their text.

By the term ajâ we have to understand the causal matter of the four classes of beings, which matter has sprung from the highest

Viśiṣṭādvaita Vedānta

Sūtra

ज्योतिरुपक्रमा तु तथा ह्यधीयत एके

jyotirupakramā tu tathā hyadhīyata eke

Sūtra translation

But she begins with light; for thus some read in their text.

The 'but' has assertory force. 'Light' in the Sûtra means Brahman, in accordance with the meaning of the term as known from texts such

Dvaita Vedānta

Numbered 1.4.10 in this text

Sūtra

ज्योतिरुपक्रमात्तु तथाह्यधीयत एके

jyotirupakramāttu tathāhyadhīyata eke

Sūtra translation

Also the '(term) Jyotis (the name of a sacrifice) denotes Brahman only ; for tome (sakhins) read to that effect from the very commencement.

It is only Vishnu who is declared also by the words which by the established usage, are the names of sacrifi- cial acts such