yad yad hi dharmasya glānir bhavati tad ato'haṁ śriyamad uddhariṣyāmi

yad yad(whatever) hi(indeed) dharmasya(of dharma) glānir(decay) bhavati(occurs) tad(that) ato'haṁ(thus I) śriyamado(of wealth) uddhariṣyāmi(will uplift) yad yad hi dharmasya glānir bhavati tad ato'haṁ śriyamado uddhariṣyāmi

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, Shankara interprets this verse as an affirmation of the non-dual nature of reality. According to Shankara, the decline of dharma refers to the manifestation of ignorance (avidyā) that obscures the true nature of the Self (Ātman). The Lord's promise to manifest Himself to uplift dharma is seen as a symbolic representation of the Self's inherent power to overcome ignorance. Shankara cites the example of the sun's ability to dispel darkness, likening it to the Self's capacity to dispel ignorance. This verse, therefore, points to the ultimate reality of brahman-ātman identity, where the individual Self is not separate from the universal Brahman. By realizing this identity, one can transcend the limitations of the worldly realm and attain liberation.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, views this verse as a testament to the Lord's infinite compassion and concern for the well-being of His devotees. The decline of dharma is seen as a result of the jīva's (individual self) disconnection from Īśvara (the Lord). The Lord's manifestation to uplift dharma is understood as a merciful act, where He intervenes to guide the jīva back to the path of righteousness. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, emphasizes the Lord's sovereignty and the jīva's complete dependence on Him. According to Madhva, this verse underscores the Lord's role as the sole guardian of dharma and the jīva's responsibility to surrender to His will. Both Rāmānuja and Madhva stress the importance of devotion (bhakti) and self-surrender as the means to attain the Lord's grace and realize the ultimate goal of liberation.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Bhagavad Gītā, interprets this verse as a call to action for the modern individual. According to Vivekānanda, the decline of dharma refers to the erosion of moral and spiritual values in society. The Lord's promise to manifest Himself to uplift dharma is seen as a metaphor for the individual's inner potential to transform and uplift themselves. Vivekānanda emphasizes the importance of self-effort and individual responsibility in realizing one's true nature and contributing to the betterment of society. S. Rādhākrishnan, in his writings, connects this verse to the universal principle of justice and morality. He sees the decline of dharma as a threat to human dignity and freedom, and the Lord's manifestation as a symbol of the eternal and unchanging moral order that underlies all human existence. Both Vivekānanda and Rādhākrishnan stress the relevance of this verse to contemporary life, encouraging individuals to strive for self-realization and to work towards creating a more just and harmonious society.

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