Dharma-kṣetre kuru-kṣetre tasyāyaṃ vāṅ-vṛṇīta naḥ
“In the Dharma field, the Kuru field, him alone, we choose his word.”
Structure
Dharma-kṣetre kuru-kṣetre tasyāyaṁ vāṅ-vṛṇīta naḥ
Tasyā (of that one) kuru-kṣetre (in the Kuru field) dharma-kṣetre (in the field of Dharma) naḥ (to us) ayaṁ (this) vāṅ (speech) vṛṇīta (choose)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dharma-kṣetre | Dharma-kṣetre | compound | karmadhāraya · "Dharma-kṣetra" | in the field of dharma |
| kuru-kṣetre | kuru-kṣetre | compound | karmadhāraya · "kuru-kṣetra" | in the field of Kurus |
| tasyāyaṁ | tasyāyaṁ | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | in that; he |
| vāṅ | vāṅ | indeclinable | — | speech; voice |
| vṛṇīta | vṛṇīta | verb | √vṛṇ · liṅ-optative · third | may choose; may select |
| naḥ | naḥ | pronoun | dative · plural | to us; for us |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In his commentary on the Mahābhārata, Śaṅkarācārya interprets this verse as an illustration of the non-dual nature of reality. The phrase 'Dharma-kṣetre kuru-kṣetre' refers to the field of dharma, where the battle between good and evil is waged. However, according to Śaṅkarācārya, this battle is not between two separate entities, but rather between the individual's lower and higher selves. The word 'tasyāyaṁ vāṅ-vṛṇīta naḥ' suggests that the individual chooses to follow the path of dharma, which ultimately leads to the realization of the brahman-ātman identity. This realization is the ultimate goal of human existence, and it is through this understanding that one can attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death. As Śaṅkarācārya notes in his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, 'The knowledge of the Self is the means to attain liberation' (BS 1.1.4). This verse, therefore, points to the non-dual nature of reality, where the individual self is ultimately identical with the universal Self.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): Rāmānujācārya, a prominent Vaiṣṇava philosopher, interprets this verse as a declaration of devotion to the Supreme Lord. The phrase 'Dharma-kṣetre kuru-kṣetre' refers to the sacred land where the Lord resides, and the word 'tasyāyaṁ vāṅ-vṛṇīta naḥ' suggests that the individual chooses to surrender to the Lord's will. According to Rāmānujācārya, the relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (Supreme Lord) is one of dependence, where the jīva relies on Īśvara for guidance and liberation. In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, Rāmānujācārya notes that 'the Lord is the inner Self of all beings, and it is through devotion to Him that one can attain liberation' (GB 18.66). This verse, therefore, emphasizes the importance of devotion and surrender to the Supreme Lord, who guides the individual on the path to liberation. Madhvācārya, another prominent Vaiṣṇava philosopher, also interprets this verse as a declaration of devotion, but with a greater emphasis on the distinction between the jīva and Īśvara.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, a key figure in the Neo-Vedānta movement, interprets this verse as a call to action, emphasizing the importance of living a life of dharma and righteousness. The phrase 'Dharma-kṣetre kuru-kṣetre' refers to the field of human existence, where individuals must strive to live in accordance with their highest nature. The word 'tasyāyaṁ vāṅ-vṛṇīta naḥ' suggests that the individual must choose to follow the path of dharma, which ultimately leads to self-realization and liberation. In his lecture 'The Message of Vivekānanda', Swami Vivekānanda notes that 'the goal of human life is to realize the divinity that lies within, and to express it in every aspect of life' (CW 3:233). This verse, therefore, has a universal and practical application, emphasizing the importance of living a life of purpose and meaning. S. Rādhākrishnan, another prominent Neo-Vedāntin, also interprets this verse as a call to action, highlighting the need for individuals to strive for self-realization and to live in accordance with their highest nature, in order to create a more just and harmonious society.