Dharme kṣetre prayatnena manīṣiṇāṃ paripālanam

manīṣiṇāṃ prayatnena dharme kṣetre paripālanam

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the importance of protecting Dharma, which Shankara interprets as the pursuit of knowledge that leads to the realization of the ultimate reality, Brahman. In his commentary on the Taittiriya Upanishad, Shankara emphasizes the need for effort (prayatna) in the pursuit of self-knowledge. The 'field' (kṣetra) represents the realm of ignorance, where the unlearned ones (amanīṣiṇāṃ) are trapped. The learned ones (manīṣiṇāṃ), through their effort, protect Dharma by realizing the identity of the individual self (ātman) with the ultimate reality (Brahman). This verse thus points to the non-dual nature of reality, where the distinction between the individual self and the ultimate reality is transcended. According to Shankara, the protection of Dharma is ultimately the protection of this non-dual awareness, which is the true nature of reality.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya): Ramanuja interprets this verse as emphasizing the importance of devotion and self-surrender in the pursuit of Dharma. The 'field' (kṣetra) represents the world, where the jīva (individual self) is engaged in the pursuit of worldly desires. The learned ones (manīṣiṇāṃ) are those who have surrendered themselves to the Lord (Īśvara) and are guided by their devotion. The protection of Dharma is thus the protection of the relationship between the jīva and Īśvara, where the jīva seeks to realize its true nature as a servant of the Lord. According to Ramanuja, this verse highlights the importance of cultivating devotion and self-surrender in order to protect Dharma and achieve liberation. In his commentary on the Brahmasutras, Ramanuja cites this verse as an example of the importance of bhakti (devotion) in the pursuit of spiritual growth.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse has significant implications for contemporary life, as it emphasizes the importance of protecting Dharma, or the universal principles of righteousness and justice. According to Vivekananda, the protection of Dharma requires effort and dedication, as individuals must strive to cultivate their inner strength and character in order to contribute to the greater good. The 'field' (kṣetra) represents the global community, where individuals must work together to protect the universal principles of Dharma. In his lecture on 'The Message of Vivekananda', Radhakrishnan emphasizes the importance of this verse in highlighting the need for individual effort and collective action in the pursuit of social justice and human welfare. This verse thus points to the universal and practical application of the principles of Dharma, which are essential for creating a more just and harmonious world.

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