Namaste,
I have observed that there are two types of statements in shruti
1. Said from natural state (Self Realized)
2. Said from standpoint of sAdhaka - (not non-dual standpoint)
Again, There are three types of shruti-s
1. bheda - verses show clear distinction between jiva and brahman --> mAdhva's philosophy
2. ghaTaka - verses showing ISvara as antaryAmI e.g. sUtrAtmA --> rAmAnuja philosophy
3. abheda - verses show unity of AtmA and brahman --> Adi Sankara's philosophy
It is said that we are obviously in dvaita, hence our journey i from bheda to ghaTaka to abheda. All three are important systems. As an Advaitin, I will say that advaita is the final destination, the laxyArtha of vedAnta.
shruti asks us to rise above dvaita. This means that even advaita accepts dvaita, but only at empirical. dvaita is true for seeker. Guru asks him to rise above dvaita to advaita sthiti.
All attempts to describe brahman is only relative, as mind needs some info how brahman looks. Brahman cannot be described, because there is no other one to experience it separately. description of brahman and thoughts related to brahman helps one to keep away worldly thoughts.
Maun is the only expression that is capable to expressing brahman / atmasthiti.
But each statement has it's purpose and is not applicable to all. It depends upon the evaluation of disciple, how deep s/he dives deep within.
If mind is too upset, there are too many thoughts running when you meditate, instructions will be different. For the one who can easily enter into meditation, calm his mind and be still, thoughts do not disturb him/her much, instructions will be different.
OM