Dharma-kṣetre, Kuru-kṣetre, divye, dṛśyāyate, kṣayi, Nāhaṃ, prāṇato, nūnam, na, hi, suptasya, sidhyati

Dharma-kṣetre (in the field of righteousness) kuru-kṣetre (in Kurukshetra) divye (the divine or celestial) kṣayi (destroyer) dṛśyāyate (appears)Nāhaṃ (I am not) prāṇato (while living) nūnam (certainly) na (not) hi (for) suptasya (of one who sleeps) sidhyati (succeeds)

According to Advaita Vedānta, this verse from the Mahābhārata highlights the importance of recognizing one's true nature as distinct from the physical body and its actions. Ādi Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, emphasizes the non-dual nature of reality, where the ultimate truth, Brahman, is beyond human conceptions of dharma and adharma. In the context of this verse, Dharmakṣetre kurukṣetre, the field of dharma where right and wrong are discerned, is actually a call to transcend the dualistic thinking and realize the identity of the self (ātman) with the ultimate reality (Brahman). Shankara's reasoning in his commentary on the Taittiriya Upanishad, particularly in the section discussing the nature of the self, supports this interpretation. By recognizing that one's true self is not bound by the constraints of the physical world, one can achieve a state of liberation, unencumbered by the dichotomies of worldly existence.

The Vaiṣṇava tradition, as represented by Rāmānujācārya and Madhvācārya, interprets this verse as an expression of the jīva's (individual self) inherent duty to uphold dharma, which is rooted in the loving service to Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). For Rāmānujācārya, the relationship between the jīva and Īśvara is one of inseparable dependence, where the jīva finds its fulfillment in serving Īśvara. In this context, Arjuna's concern about the destruction of the field of dharma reflects his commitment to his duty as a warrior and a servant of the Lord. Madhvācārya, in his commentary on the Mahābhārata, emphasizes the importance of recognizing the Lord's presence in all aspects of life, including the battlefield, and thus, Arjuna's hesitation is a moment of spiritual introspection, where he seeks to align his actions with the will of the Supreme. This verse, therefore, underscores the devotional path, where the jīva, in its journey towards liberation, must adhere to its svadharma (own duty) as a means of expressing love and surrender to the Divine.

From the perspective of Neo-Vedānta, as exemplified by Swami Vivekānanda and S. Rādhākrishnan, this verse from the Mahābhārata holds a profound message for contemporary life. It speaks to the universal human dilemma of how to act in a world fraught with conflict and moral ambiguity. Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Bhagavad Gita, emphasizes the importance of selfless action (nishkāma karma) as a means of achieving spiritual growth and contributing to the greater good. In the context of this verse, Arjuna's reluctance to fight, despite being a warrior, illustrates the inner conflict that arises when one is torn between personal values and external duties. Rādhākrishnan, in his philosophical writings, underscores the relevance of this ancient text to modern ethical dilemmas, suggesting that true freedom and fulfillment can only be achieved by aligning one's actions with a higher moral purpose. Thus, this verse encourages individuals to engage in introspection, to question their motivations and the consequences of their actions, and to strive for a life of purpose and integrity, beyond the confines of personal interest or societal expectations.

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