Dharma-kṣetre kuru-kṣetre yad uktam śṛṇu Pārtha

Pārtha, Dharma-kṣetre kuru-kṣetre, yad uktam, taṁ śṛṇu

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): The verse Dharma-kṣetre kuru-kṣetre yad uktaṁ śṛṇu Pārtha serves as an introduction to the dialogue between Sri Krishna and Arjuna, setting the stage for a profound exploration of the nature of reality and the self. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, highlights the significance of the word 'śṛṇu' (hear), indicating the importance of listening to the teachings that follow, which will unveil the ultimate truth of the non-dual Brahman. This verse, according to Śaṅkara, is an invitation to transcend the limitations of the individual self (jīva) and realize the identity of the individual self with the ultimate reality (Brahman), thus underscoring the non-dual nature of existence. In the context of this verse, Śaṅkara's emphasis is on the direct experience of this truth, beyond mere intellectual comprehension, as the means to achieve liberation (mokṣa).

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition, through the lens of Rāmānujācārya and Madhvācārya, interprets this verse as a pivotal moment in the Bhagavad Gita, underscoring the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary, focuses on the term 'Dharma-kṣetre', emphasizing the field of dharma as the arena where the battle between good and evil is waged, not just physically but also spiritually. He sees Arjuna's predicament as a symbol of the struggle within every individual to uphold dharma, and Sri Krishna's teachings as the guide to achieving this goal. For Rāmānujācārya, this verse highlights the dependence of the jīva on Īśvara for liberation, emphasizing a path of devotion (bhakti) and surrender (prapatti) as the means to attain mokṣa. Madhvācārya, with his emphasis on the absolute difference between the jīva and Īśvara, interprets the verse as an invitation to recognize and worship the Supreme Being, who alone can grant liberation.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda and Sarvepalli Rādhākrishnan, key figures of Neo-Vedānta, interpret this verse in a universal and practical light, applicable to contemporary life. According to Vivekānanda, the call to 'hear' (śṛṇu) is an invitation to all humanity to listen to the eternal truths that transcend the boundaries of time and space. He sees the Bhagavad Gita, introduced by this verse, as a manual for living, offering wisdom on how to face life's challenges with courage, wisdom, and compassion. Rādhākrishnan, with his emphasis on the synthesis of thought and action, views this verse as a reminder of the importance of aligning one's actions with the principles of dharma, for the betterment of society and the individual. Both Vivekānanda and Rādhākrishnan highlight the relevance of the Gita's teachings to modern problems, advocating for a life of service, self-discipline, and the pursuit of knowledge, as the path to both personal liberation and social harmony.

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