tataḥ śvetavrajā rājā dhṛtarāṣṭraḥ tvathāgataḥ

tataḥ (then) śvetavrajā (with white goats) rājā (the king) dhṛtarāṣṭraḥ (Dhritarashtra) tvathā (your) āgataḥ (has come)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, where King Dhritarashtra, wearing a white robe, arrives, can be seen as an allegory for the jīva's (individual self) journey towards realizing its true nature as Brahman. The white robe signifies purity and the jīva's innate nature. Shankara, in his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, emphasizes the importance of understanding the distinction between the real and the unreal, which is reflected in Dhritarashtra's character development. The arrival of Dhritarashtra symbolizes the moment when the individual self begins to inquire into its true nature, setting aside worldly attachments, much like shedding old robes for new, pure ones. This inquiry is crucial for realizing the non-dual identity of Brahman and ātman. By focusing on the essential, unchanging aspect of reality, one can transcend the fleeting nature of the world, as Dhritarashtra's story unfolds, leading towards a deeper understanding of the ultimate reality.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, the arrival of King Dhritarashtra can be interpreted as a symbol of the jīva's dependence on Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Dhritarashtra's blindness, both physical and metaphysical, represents the jīva's inherent limitations and its need for divine guidance. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, emphasizes the concept of 'prapatti' or surrender, which can be seen as Dhritarashtra's reliance on others for guidance. This surrender is a fundamental aspect of the devotional path, where the individual recognizes their inability to achieve liberation through their own efforts alone and seeks refuge in the Lord. The white robe Dhritarashtra wears may signify the purity and simplicity required for true devotion, underscoring the importance of humility and dependence on Īśvara for spiritual progress.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse from the Mahābhārata can be seen as a call to self-reflection and introspection in contemporary life. Swami Vivekananda, in his lectures, often emphasized the importance of looking within for truth and understanding one's true nature. The character of Dhritarashtra, arriving in a white robe, symbolizes the potential for transformation and renewal that lies within each individual. The act of wearing a new, white robe can be metaphorically understood as shedding one's old, superficial self to embrace a more authentic and pure version of oneself. This process of self-discovery and renewal is universally relevant, encouraging individuals to seek their inner truth and strive for a life of integrity and purpose, just as Dhritarashtra's journey invites reflection on one's values and actions.

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