Dharme yatnataḥ rājan dharmaḥ rājānam prāpsuvan nityaṃ pāpāṇi varjayān

Rājan (king) yatnataḥ (endeavouring) dharme (in righteousness) dharmaḥ (righteousness) rājānam (the king) prāpsuvan (attaining) nityaṃ (always) pāpāṇi (sins) varjayān (should avoid)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, Dharme yatnataḥ rājan dharmaḥ rājānam prāpsuvan, underscores the importance of striving for Dharma in the pursuit of realizing one's true nature. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, emphasizes the concept of nityaṃ pāpāṇi varjayān, or constant shunning of sins, as a means to attain dharma. The non-dual perspective sees this striving as a means to realize the brahman-ātman identity, where the individual self (ātman) is ultimately one with the universal reality (brahman). By following dharma and avoiding sin, the king, or any individual, aligns their actions with the natural order, facilitating self-realization. Shankara's reasoning on related passages highlights the importance of self-inquiry and the renunciation of worldly desires in achieving this unity, thereby illustrating how this verse points towards the ultimate goal of Advaita Vedānta: the understanding of one's true nature as unbound by the limitations of the material world.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is seen as emphasizing the role of dharma in devotion to Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Rāmānujācārya, for instance, would interpret dharma as the means by which the jīva (individual soul) can attain proximity to Īśvara, thereby realizing its true nature as a dependent entity of the Lord. The phrase nityaṃ pāpāṇi varjayān is crucial, as it underscores the importance of moral integrity and righteous living as a fundamental aspect of bhakti (devotion). By constantly shunning sins and following dharma, the king, as a paradigm of the ideal devotee, demonstrates his commitment to Īśvara, fostering a relationship of loving service and dependence. This interpretation is in line with Rāmānujācārya's emphasis on prapatti, or self-surrender, as the ultimate means of achieving liberation, where the devotee, through devotion and adherence to dharma, seeks refuge in the Lord.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, a key figure in Neo-Vedānta, would likely interpret this verse as a call to action for individuals to strive for a universal and practical application of dharma in everyday life. He emphasized the importance of realizing one's true potential and contributing to the betterment of society. In his lectures and writings, Vivekānanda often cited the need for individuals to renounce selfish desires and strive for the common good, echoing the principle of nityaṃ pāpāṇi varjayān. This verse, in the context of contemporary life, encourages leaders and citizens alike to adhere to ethical principles and work tirelessly for the welfare of all, recognizing the inherent unity and interconnectedness of humanity. Radhakrishnan, similarly, would view this verse as a reminder of the importance of living a life guided by moral principles, self-discipline, and a sense of responsibility towards the community, aligning with his philosophical stance on the relevance of Vedāntic principles in modern times.

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