Dharmaṃ ca puṣpam Atharvavedaś ca haṣṭe

Dharmaṃ (righteousness) ca (and) puṣpam (a flower) Atharvavedaś (the Atharvaveda) ca (and) haṣṭe (in the hand)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In this verse, Dharmaṃ ca puṣpam Atharvavedaś ca haṣṭe, Śaṅkarācārya would likely interpret 'Dharma' as the universal moral order that governs the cosmos, and 'Atharvaveda' as the embodiment of spiritual knowledge. The phrase 'in his hand' signifies the ultimate reality, Brahman, that encompasses and transcends all duality. According to Śaṅkarācārya, this verse points to the non-dual nature of reality, where the individual self (ātman) is ultimately identical with the universal self (Brahman). In his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, Śaṅkarācārya argues that the realization of this identity is the ultimate goal of human existence. This verse, in the context of the Mahābhārata, reinforces the idea that true understanding and fulfillment can only be achieved by recognizing and embracing this fundamental non-duality.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): From a Vaiṣṇava perspective, this verse is seen as an affirmation of the divine grace and omnipresence of Īśvara. 'Dharma' represents the path of righteousness, and 'Atharvaveda' symbolizes the revealed knowledge that guides the devotee towards union with the divine. 'In his hand' signifies the direct control and benevolence of the Lord. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, emphasizes the importance of surrendering to the will of Īśvara and following the path of devotion (bhakti) as outlined in the scriptures. This verse, in the context of the Mahābhārata, underscores the Vaiṣṇava belief in the personal relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara, where the devotee seeks to cultivate devotion and service to the Lord, recognizing His grace and guidance in all aspects of life.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the universal and practical applications of ancient Indian wisdom. This verse, Dharmaṃ ca puṣpam Atharvavedaś ca haṣṭe, can be seen as a call to action, urging individuals to integrate the principles of dharma (righteous living) and the wisdom of the Atharvaveda into their daily lives. The image of these principles being 'in his hand' suggests the empowerment and responsibility that come with knowledge and understanding. Vivekānanda, in his speech at the Parliament of the World's Religions, highlighted the importance of recognizing the inherent divinity within each individual and the need to cultivate compassion, tolerance, and service to humanity. This verse, in the context of modern life, encourages individuals to embody the values of dharma and to seek wisdom, not just as abstract concepts, but as guiding principles for personal and societal transformation.

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