Dharme yatnaḥ sam-upalabhyate ca yatnena dharmaḥ prapadyate

Dharme (in righteousness) yatnaḥ (effort) sam-upalabhyate (is obtained) ca (and) yatnena (by effort) dharmaḥ (righteousness) prapadyate (is attained)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the importance of effort in attaining Dharma, which, according to Shankara, is a means to realize the ultimate truth of Brahman-ātman identity. Shankara's commentary on the Bhagavad Gita (Ch. 3, v. 35) suggests that the performance of one's duty (svadharma) without attachment is a form of effort that leads to self-realization. In the context of this verse, the effort to attain Dharma is seen as a preliminary step towards realizing the non-dual nature of reality. Shankara's reasoning on this verse or closely related passages would likely emphasize that the protection afforded by Dharma is not of the ego or individual self, but rather of the universal self (ātman) that is ultimately identical with Brahman. Thus, the verse points to the brahman-ātman identity, where the individual self, through effort and devotion, realizes its true nature as the universal self, untouched by the dualities of the world.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is often interpreted as highlighting the reciprocal relationship between the individual self (jīva) and the Supreme Lord (Īśvara). Ramanuja, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita (Ch. 3, v. 35), explains that the effort to attain Dharma is a manifestation of the jīva's innate longing for Īśvara, and that Īśvara, in turn, guides and protects the jīva in its pursuit of Dharma. Madhva, on the other hand, would likely emphasize the role of devotion (bhakti) as the primary means of attaining Dharma, and the protection afforded by Dharma as a manifestation of Īśvara's grace. In this reading, the verse underscores the importance of surrendering to Īśvara and following the path of Dharma, which is seen as a means of cultivating devotion and ultimately achieving liberation.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse has significant implications for contemporary life, as it highlights the importance of effort and personal responsibility in attaining a higher state of being. Swami Vivekananda, in his lecture 'The Ideal of a Universal Religion' (1896), emphasizes the need for individual effort in realizing one's true potential, and sees Dharma as a means of cultivating the virtues necessary for self-realization. Similarly, S. Radhakrishnan, in his book 'The Hindu View of Life' (1927), interprets this verse as underscoring the importance of living a virtuous life, where effort and dedication are seen as essential for personal growth and spiritual development. In this reading, the verse offers a universal message, transcending traditional boundaries, and speaks to the human aspiration for self-improvement and the pursuit of a higher purpose.

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