tat - sva - dharmaṇa - labdhena - kartum

kartum (to do) tat (that) sva-dharmaṇa (own duty) labdhena (by what has been gained)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, Śaṅkarācārya interprets this verse as emphasizing the attainment of Self-realization through the fulfillment of one's own duty (svadharma). According to Śaṅkara, the phrase 'tatsvadharmaṇa labdhena' suggests that by performing one's duty, the individual ego (jīva) merges with the ultimate reality (Brahman), thereby realizing the non-dual nature of existence. This is in line with the Advaita Vedānta tradition, which posits that the ultimate goal of human existence is to realize the identity of the individual self (ātman) with the universal Self (Brahman). Śaṅkara's commentary on this verse highlights the importance of selfless action (nishkāma karma) as a means to attain this realization. By dedicating one's actions to the divine, the individual transcends the limitations of the ego and realizes the unity of all existence. This verse, therefore, serves as a reminder of the importance of fulfilling one's duty as a means to attain spiritual liberation.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya): Rāmānujācārya, a prominent Vaiṣṇava philosopher, interprets this verse in the context of the relationship between the individual self (jīva) and the divine (Īśvara). According to Rāmānuja, the phrase 'tatsvadharmaṇa labdhena' suggests that by fulfilling one's duty, the individual develops a deep sense of devotion and surrender to the divine. This, in turn, leads to the attainment of divine grace and the realization of one's true nature as a servant of the Lord. Rāmānuja's commentary on this verse emphasizes the importance of bhakti (devotion) and prapatti (surrender) as means to attain spiritual liberation. By dedicating one's actions to the divine, the individual cultivates a sense of humility and dependence on the Lord, which ultimately leads to the realization of one's true nature as a dependent entity (śeṣa) of the divine. This verse, therefore, serves as a reminder of the importance of fulfilling one's duty as a means to cultivate devotion and attain spiritual liberation.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda): Swami Vivekānanda, a key figure in the Neo-Vedānta movement, interprets this verse as a call to action and self-empowerment. According to Vivekānanda, the phrase 'tatsvadharmaṇa labdhena' suggests that by fulfilling one's duty, the individual develops a sense of purpose and direction in life. This, in turn, leads to the attainment of self-confidence and the realization of one's true potential. Vivekānanda's commentary on this verse emphasizes the importance of selfless action and service to others as a means to attain spiritual growth and self-realization. By dedicating one's actions to the greater good, the individual cultivates a sense of compassion and empathy, which ultimately leads to the realization of the interconnectedness of all existence. In his lecture 'The Message of Vivekānanda', he writes, 'The goal of life is to realize the divinity within, and this can be achieved by fulfilling one's duty and serving others.' This verse, therefore, serves as a reminder of the importance of fulfilling one's duty as a means to attain self-realization and contribute to the greater good.

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