dhṛtarāṣṭraḥ tu mahatā diṣṭyā proktavān niśi

dhṛtarāṣṭraḥ (Dhṛtarāṣṭra) tu (indeed) mahatā (by the great one) diṣṭyā (with divine sight) niśi (in the night) proktavān (spoke)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, Śaṅkarācārya underscores the significance of Dhṛtarāṣṭra's silence in the night, symbolizing the limitations of worldly knowledge and the futility of actions driven by desire and ignorance. Śaṅkara interprets 'mahatā diṣṭyā' as the grace of the supreme, which alone can remove the veil of ignorance, enabling the realization of the brahman-ātman identity. This verse highlights the importance of introspection and self-inquiry, pointing towards the ultimate goal of liberation from the cycle of birth and death. The emphasis is on the non-dual nature of reality, where the individual self (ātman) is seen as identical with the universal Self (Brahman). Śaṅkara's commentary on this verse serves as a reminder that true understanding and liberation can only be achieved by transcending the mundane and recognizing the ultimate reality beyond.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya): Rāmānujācārya's perspective on this verse centers on the concept of 'diṣṭyā' or divine grace. He interprets Dhṛtarāṣṭra's inability to speak in the night as a consequence of his own karma and the will of the Lord. Rāmānuja emphasizes the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the personal God), highlighting the dependence of the jīva on Īśvara's mercy for spiritual growth and liberation. This verse, according to Rāmānuja, underscores the importance of surrender to God's will and the acknowledgment of one's limitations. It also points to the role of divine intervention in guiding human actions and decisions, reinforcing the devotional aspect of the Vaiṣṇava tradition, where love and surrender to a personal deity are paramount.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda and S. Rādhākrishnan, key figures in Neo-Vedānta, focus on the universal and practical implications of this verse. They interpret Dhṛtarāṣṭra's silence as a metaphor for the inability of the human mind to transcend its limitations through mere intellectual or worldly means. Vivekānanda, in his lectures, often emphasized the need for spiritual practice and self-realization to overcome such limitations. Rādhākrishnan, on the other hand, highlighted the importance of integrating spiritual insights into daily life, making them relevant and applicable to contemporary human problems. This verse, from their perspective, calls for introspection, self-awareness, and a deeper understanding of one's true nature, encouraging individuals to seek a balance between the inner and outer aspects of life. By applying the principles of Vedānta, individuals can strive for personal growth, harmony, and contribution to the betterment of society.

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