śrutvā saṁhāram ātmanaḥ

ātmanaḥ (of Himself) śrutvā (having heard) saṁhāram (the destruction)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, Śaṅkarācārya interprets śrutvā saṁhāram ātmanaḥ as an inquiry into the nature of the self. The phrase 'having heard about the destruction of his own' prompts an introspection into the transient and ephemeral nature of worldly attachments, leading the seeker toward the realization of the non-dual Brahman-ātman identity. Śaṅkarācārya reasons that understanding the impermanence of worldly things (saṁhāra) is crucial for the seeker to detach from them and seek the eternal and unchanging Self (ātman). This detachment is fundamental in Advaita Vedānta for realizing the ultimate truth that the individual self (jīva) is not separate from the universal Self (Brahman). The verse, therefore, points toward the path of self-inquiry and the pursuit of knowledge that leads to liberation (mokṣa). Śaṅkarācārya's commentary emphasizes the importance of understanding the distinction between the ephemeral and the eternal to achieve this liberation.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, views śrutvā saṁhāram ātmanaḥ as a pivotal moment where Arjuna, having heard about the impending slaughter, is faced with the dilemma of his duty as a warrior and his compassion for his kin. This internal conflict prompts a deeper inquiry into the nature of duty (dharma) and the self. Rāmānujācārya emphasizes the personal relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Lord), suggesting that true understanding and liberation come from recognizing one's dependence on and devotion to God. The verse sets the stage for Krishna's exposition on the self and its relationship with the body, leading Arjuna (and the reader) to understand the eternal nature of the self and the temporary nature of worldly attachments. For Rāmānujācārya, the practical application of this verse is in cultivating devotion (bhakti) and understanding one's role in the divine plan, thereby achieving a state of loving surrender to God.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda interprets śrutvā saṁhāram ātmanaḥ in the context of the universal struggle between the higher and lower aspects of human nature. He sees the verse as an invitation to introspection, where one must confront the 'destruction' or transcendence of the ego and lower self to realize the true, universal Self within. Vivekānanda emphasizes the practical application of this verse in everyday life, suggesting that individuals must continuously strive to overcome their limitations and petty selves to achieve a higher state of consciousness and service to humanity. In his lectures and writings, he often cited the Bhagavad Gītā as a guide for modern life, urging people to embrace the principles of selflessness, courage, and compassion in their personal and social endeavors. This interpretation aligns with S. Radhakrishnan's perspective, who viewed the Gītā as a text that offers a philosophy of life relevant to contemporary society, emphasizing the importance of individual transformation as a precursor to social change and global harmony.

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