tāni kṣetrāṇi sarvāṇi brāhmaṇāḥ pṛcchataḥ

brāhmaṇāḥ (the Brahmanas) pṛcchataḥ (asked) tāni (those) kṣetrāṇi (fields) sarvāṇi (all)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, Śaṅkarācārya interprets this verse as underscoring the non-dual nature of reality. He explains that the 'kṣetrāṇi' referred to here are not just physical fields but metaphorical ones, representing the arenas of human experience and knowledge. By stating that the brāhmaṇāḥ, or those who have realized Brahman, know all these regions, the verse points to the brahman-ātman identity. This means that the ultimate reality (Brahman) and the individual self (ātman) are one and the same. Thus, one who has inquired into and understood this oneness has knowledge of all fields of existence, as they see the universe through the lens of unity and non-duality, much like Śaṅkarācārya argues in his commentary on the Taittiriya Upanishad.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): Rāmānujācārya, in his interpretation of the Bhagavad Gītā, sees this verse as emphasizing the role of devotion and knowledge in understanding the divine. According to Rāmānuja, the brāhmaṇāḥ who are inquired about are those who have dedicated themselves to the path of bhakti (devotion) and jñāna (knowledge), ultimately leading to a deep understanding of the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). This relationship is one of dependence and surrender, where the jīva seeks to comprehend and serve Īśvara. In knowing 'all those regions,' the brāhmaṇāḥ have a profound insight into the workings of the universe as guided by Īśvara, highlighting the central Vaiṣṇava theme of personal deity and the devotional path to liberation, as discussed in Rāmānuja's Śrī Bhāṣya.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the practical and universal applications of Vedāntic principles. He might interpret this verse as a call to explore and understand the vast expanse of human knowledge and experience. The 'kṣetrāṇi' represent various fields of human endeavor and the realms of the mind, heart, and spirit. According to Vivekānanda, the brāhmaṇāḥ, or seekers of truth, through their inquiry and self-realization, come to understand the interconnectedness of all knowledge and the unity underlying all diverse fields of human experience. This understanding is not merely intellectual but is rooted in direct experience and realization, allowing the individual to live a life of purpose, harmony, and service to others, as reflected in Vivekānanda's ideals of harmony and service, echoing his famous speech in Chicago, where he called for unity and mutual respect among all religions and peoples.

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