yac + cā + api + utthāya + yudhyāyaḥ + sva-tantryeṇa + ca + arthinā + abhyutthāya + yipya + asi + rāma

yaccā (what and) api (also) utthāya (getting up) yudhyāyaḥ (you are eager to fight) sva-tantryeṇa (by your own free will) ca (and) arthinā (for the sake of) abhyutthāya (getting up) yipya (to fight) asi (you are) rāma (O Rama)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, Shankara interprets this verse as a caution against the notion of individual agency. He argues that the idea of 'sva-tantryeṇa' or fighting by one's own free will is a product of the ego, which obscures the true nature of the Self. According to Shankara, the verse suggests that even the decision to fight is not entirely under Arjuna's control, but is rather a manifestation of the gunas. This reading points to the non-dual nature of reality, where the individual self (ātman) is ultimately identical with the universal Self (Brahman). By recognizing the illusory nature of individual agency, the seeker can transcend the limitations of the ego and realize the brahman-ātman identity. As Shankara notes in his commentary on the Gītā, 'The Self is not the doer, but the witness of all actions' (BG 3.27). This understanding is crucial for realizing the true nature of reality and achieving liberation.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya): Rāmānujācārya, a prominent Vaiṣṇava philosopher, interprets this verse as a reminder of the jīva's dependence on Īśvara. According to Rāmānuja, the phrase 'sva-tantryeṇa' highlights the jīva's tendency to assert its independence, which is ultimately an illusion. The verse suggests that even the decision to fight is not entirely within Arjuna's control, but is rather influenced by his innate nature and the circumstances. Rāmānuja argues that true freedom and liberation can only be achieved by recognizing one's dependence on Īśvara and surrendering to His will. In his commentary on the Gītā, Rāmānuja notes that 'the Lord is the inner ruler of all beings, and it is He who inspires the jīva to act' (BG 18.61). This reading emphasizes the devotional aspect of the Vaiṣṇava tradition, where the jīva's relationship with Īśvara is one of loving surrender and dependence.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, a key figure in the Neo-Vedānta movement, interprets this verse as a call to recognize the universal principles that govern human action. According to Vivekānanda, the phrase 'sva-tantryeṇa' represents the human tendency to assert individuality, which can lead to conflict and suffering. The verse suggests that true freedom and empowerment can only be achieved by recognizing the interconnectedness of all beings and the larger cosmic context. Vivekānanda argues that this understanding is essential for building a more harmonious and just society. In his lecture on 'The Powers of the Mind', Vivekānanda notes that 'the idea of individuality is a mere delusion, and that we are all part of the universal consciousness' (Complete Works, Vol. 5). This reading emphasizes the universal and practical application of the verse, highlighting the importance of recognizing the interconnectedness of all beings and the need for a more holistic and compassionate approach to life.

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