Dharmaḥ eva Rājā ca Pāṇḍavāḥ śṛṇu Pāṇḍavaśreṣṭha tvayā sahā Pārthivaḥ

Dharmaḥ (righteousness) eva (indeed) Rājā (the king) ca (and) Pāṇḍavāḥ (the Pāṇḍavas) Pārthivaḥ (the lord of the earth) tvayā (with you) sahā (together) Pāṇḍavaśreṣṭha (O best of the Pāṇḍavas) śṛṇu (listen)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, Dharma e Rājā ca Pāṇḍavāḥ, offers an insight into the non-dual nature of reality. Shankara's commentary on the Mahābhārata highlights the importance of understanding Dharma as a universal principle rather than a mere moral code. The inclusion of 'Rājā ca Pāṇḍavāḥ' indicates the embodiment of this principle in both the ruler and the subjects, signifying the oneness of the Self (ātman) with the ultimate reality (Brahman). As Shankara notes in his Brahmasutra Bhashya, the ultimate goal is to realize this unity, transcending the illusory distinctions between the individual selves and the universal Self. This verse, in essence, points towards the Brahman-ātman identity, encouraging the listener to seek this understanding. Through the narrative of the Pandavas, Shankara's interpretation underscores the quest for self-realization, emphasizing the relevance of understanding one's true nature as a means to achieve liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition interprets this verse with a focus on the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Mahābhārata, views the address to the Pandavas as an exemplification of the Lord's grace towards His devotees. The phrase 'Dharma e Rājā ca Pāṇḍavāḥ' is seen as an affirmation of the Lord's presence in the virtuous king and the Pandavas, demonstrating His immanence in the world. This interpretation highlights the devotional aspect, where the jīva seeks to understand and follow the path of Dharma as guided by Īśvara. Madhvācārya would further emphasize the distinction between the Lord and the individual souls, yet both Rāmānujācārya and Madhvācārya would agree on the central role of devotion and the pursuit of Dharma as a means to cultivate a deeper relationship with the divine. This verse, thus, encourages the listener to embark on a path of righteousness, under the guidance of the divine, leading to spiritual growth and ultimately, liberation.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda and Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, key figures in the Neo-Vedānta movement, would interpret this verse in the context of universal and practical application. Vivekānanda, in his lectures, often emphasized the importance of living a life guided by Dharma, not merely as a moral duty, but as a path to self-realization and service to humanity. He would see the address to the Pandavas as a call to action, encouraging individuals to embrace their responsibilities towards society while striving for spiritual growth. Radhakrishnan, with his emphasis on the harmony of religions and the importance of individual freedom, would view this verse as underscoring the universal principles of righteousness and justice that transcend sectarian divisions. Both thinkers would highlight the relevance of this verse in contemporary life, urging individuals to adopt a path of righteousness and compassion, thereby contributing to the betterment of society. This interpretation underscores the practical and universal appeal of the verse, encouraging listeners to strive for a balance between personal spiritual growth and societal responsibility.

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