dhṛtarāṣṭrasya nandanaḥ saḥ suptaḥ tvṛṣṇayā raṇe

dhṛtarāṣṭrasya (of the son of Dhritarashtra) nandanaḥ (son) saḥ (that) suptaḥ (sleeping) tvṛṣṇayā (with thirst) raṇe (in the battle)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): The verse 'dhṛtarāṣṭrasya nandanaḥ . saḥ suptaḥ tvṛṣṇayā raṇe' illustrates the state of being trapped in worldly desires, symbolized by Duryodhana's greed-driven slumber amidst the chaos of battle. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, would likely interpret this as a representation of the ignorance (avidyā) that veils the true nature of the self (ātman). This verse points to the necessity of transcending such ignorance to realize the non-dual identity of brahman and ātman. The sleeping Duryodhana, overcome by greed, signifies the jīva's entrapment in the cycle of suffering (saṃsāra), from which liberation (mokṣa) is achievable only through the realization of one's true nature. Thus, this verse serves as a reminder of the importance of self-inquiry and the pursuit of knowledge that leads to the understanding of the ultimate reality, which is the core of Advaita Vedānta.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse can be seen as an allegory for the fallen state of the jīva, exemplified by Duryodhana's surrender to his baser instincts. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, might interpret Duryodhana's condition as a result of being disconnected from the divine will, embodying the concept of 'avidyā' or ignorance of one's true relationship with Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). This ignorance leads the jīva to pursue worldly desires and pleasures, as represented by Duryodhana's greed, rather than seeking refuge in the divine. The devotional path, as advocated by Rāmānujācārya, emphasizes the importance of recognizing and surrendering to the will of Īśvara, thereby transcending the limitations and sufferings of the material world. This verse thus underscores the necessity of cultivating devotion (bhakti) and knowledge (jñāna) to overcome the ignorance that separates the jīva from Īśvara.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda would likely interpret this verse in the context of the universal struggle between the higher and lower aspects of human nature. Duryodhana's sleep, induced by greed, symbolizes the state of being unconscious to one's true potential and spiritual nature. This condition is not unique to the character of Duryodhana but reflects a universal human predisposition. Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the importance of self-awareness and the awakening of the inner divine. He would view this verse as a call to recognize and overcome the internal battles that prevent individuals from realizing their true capabilities and living a life of purpose and meaning. S. Radhakrishnan, building on Vivekānanda's thoughts, might further elucidate this by highlighting the ethical and moral implications of being controlled by desires, as exemplified by Duryodhana, and the need for a holistic development of human personality that integrates the spiritual, ethical, and social dimensions of human existence.

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