Brahma Sūtra 3.2.33
Śaṅkara
Advaita Vedānta
Sūtra
बुद्ध्यर्थः पादवत्
buddhyarthaḥ pādavat
Sūtra translation
(The statement as to Brahman having size) subserves the purpose of the mind ; in the manner of the four feet (quarters).
In reply to the pfirvapakshin’s contention that the statements as to Brahman’s size, prove that there exists something different from Brahman, we remark that
Rāmānuja
Viśiṣṭādvaita Vedānta
Numbered 3.2.32 in this text
Sūtra
बुद्ध्यर्थः पादवत्
buddhyarthaḥ pādavat
Sūtra translation
It subserves the purpose of thought; as in the case of the feet.
Where the texts speak of Brahman as having four quarters, and sixteen parts, or say that 'one quarter of him are all these beings'
Madhva
Dvaita Vedānta
Numbered 3.2.34 in this text
Sūtra
बुद्ध्यर्थः पादवत्
buddhyarthaḥ pādavat
Sūtra translation
The designation is to aid the understanding, as in the case of the word ‘foot.’
For the purpose of inculcating into our mind the relation between the Lord and the soul, though he is distinct from the Lord's forms