Dharme yathāḥ-adhikṛtya vṛttam
“It happened that an effort was made in respect of Dharma.”
Structure
Dharme yathā adhikṛtya vṛttam
Yathā vṛttam dharme adhikṛtya (As it has been happening, in righteousness taking into account)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dharme | Dharme | noun | locative · singular · masculine | in righteousness |
| yathā | yathā | indeclinable | — | in which way |
| adhikṛtya | adhikṛtya | indeclinable | — | having taken into consideration |
| vṛttam | vṛttam | verb | √vṛt · past participle · third | has happened |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In his commentary on the Mahābhārata, Ādi Śaṅkarācārya interprets Dharme yathā adhikṛtya vṛttam as an indication of the ultimate reality, Brahman, being the substratum of all actions, including those related to Dharma. Shankara's reasoning, as seen in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, emphasizes the non-dual nature of reality, where the individual self (ātman) is not separate from the universal self (Brahman). This verse points to the idea that all efforts, including those in the realm of Dharma, are ultimately a manifestation of the Brahman-ātman identity. The phrase 'yathā adhikṛtya' suggests a deliberate and conscious effort, which, according to Shankara, can only be truly effective when rooted in the understanding of this non-dual reality. Thus, the verse encourages the seeker to engage in actions with the knowledge of the ultimate oneness of all existence.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Mahābhārata, views Dharme yathā adhikṛtya vṛttam as emphasizing the importance of devotion to Īśvara (the personal God) in the pursuit of Dharma. For Rāmānuja, the effort (yathā) made in respect of Dharma is not merely a human endeavor but is guided and supported by Īśvara. The relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara is one of dependence, where the jīva's efforts are fruitful only when they are in consonance with the will of Īśvara. This verse, in the context of the Mahābhārata, highlights the role of divine grace in the fulfillment of one's duties and the attainment of spiritual liberation. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, might interpret this verse with a focus on the real distinction between the soul and God, emphasizing the need for surrender and devotion as the means to achieve one's spiritual goals.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, would likely interpret Dharme yathā adhikṛtya vṛttam as a call to action, emphasizing the importance of living a life of purpose and meaning. He would argue that the effort (yathā) in respect of Dharma refers to the individual's striving for self-realization and service to others, which is the essence of Dharma. Vivekānanda's emphasis on practical Vedānta—applying the principles of Vedānta to everyday life—would lead him to see this verse as a mandate for selfless work and the pursuit of one's duty without attachment to the fruits of action. Similarly, S. Rādhākrishnan would view this verse as an affirmation of the universal principles of ethics and morality that underlie all religious traditions, stressing the need for individuals to make a sincere effort to live according to these principles for the betterment of society and the world at large.