kim idaṁ prāṇi-hatyāyāḥ dṛṣṭum iha upāgamāt sva-karmopani bandhān me śṛṇu guru-mate

kim(why) youidaṁ(this)prāṇi-hatyāyāḥ(killing living beings)dṛṣṭum(to see)iha(here)upāgamāt(I have come)sva-karmopani(bound by my own actions)bandhān(bound by my own actions, literally: bonds)me(my)śṛṇu(listen)guru-mate(great-minded one, or, wise one)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, Ādi Śaṅkarācārya interprets this verse as an opportunity for Arjuna to realize the non-dual nature of reality. Śaṅkara argues that Arjuna's confusion stems from his identification with the body and his kin, rather than understanding his true Self as the ātman, which is ultimately identical with Brahman. The slaughter of kin serves as a catalyst for this realization, as it forces Arjuna to confront the impermanence of worldly attachments and seek refuge in the eternal and unchanging Brahman. Śaṅkara's commentary emphasizes the importance of self-inquiry and the cultivation of detachment, as outlined in the Upaniṣads and the Gītā itself. By heeding Kṛṣṇa's words, Arjuna is prompted to look beyond the ephemeral world and recognize his true nature as the unbounded and immutable Self.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition offers a distinct perspective on this verse, focusing on the relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Gītā, highlights Kṛṣṇa's role as the Supreme Guide, who prompts Arjuna to re-examine his motivations and desires. According to Rāmānuja, Arjuna's hesitation to fight stems from his misidentification with his body and his attachment to worldly relationships, rather than recognizing his true identity as a servant of the Lord. By urging Arjuna to heed his words, Kṛṣṇa is, in effect, calling him to surrender his ego and will to the divine will, thereby establishing a relationship of devotion and surrender. This reading underscores the importance of bhakti, or devotion, as a means of realizing one's true nature and fulfilling one's duty (svadharma) as a servant of the Lord.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): From a modern perspective, this verse can be seen as a call to re-examine one's values and priorities in the face of adversity. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Gītā, emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and the cultivation of inner strength in the midst of challenging circumstances. According to Vivekānanda, Arjuna's dilemma serves as a metaphor for the human condition, where individuals must confront their own fears, doubts, and weaknesses in order to grow and realize their full potential. The verse can be seen as an invitation to look beyond the surface level of reality and recognize the deeper, universal principles that govern human existence. In this sense, the call to 'heed my words' can be interpreted as a call to listen to one's own inner voice and intuition, rather than being swayed by external circumstances or the opinions of others. This reading highlights the timelessness and universality of the Gītā's message, which continues to inspire and guide individuals in their personal and spiritual journeys.

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