tato duvāca bhīṣmo dharmarājaṃ mahāyaśaḥ

tato (then) bhīṣmo (Bhishma) mahāyaśaḥ (the great fame) duvāca (spoke) dharmarājaṃ (to Yudhishthira, the king of dharma)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, 'tato duvāca bhīṣmo dharmarājaṃ mahāyaśaḥ', signifies the non-dual nature of reality as Bhishma, the embodiment of dharma, speaks to Yudhishthira, the king of dharma, highlighting the ultimate identity of the individual self (ātman) with the universal self (brahman). According to Shankara's commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, the conversation between Bhishma and Yudhishthira represents the inner dialogue between the higher and lower aspects of the self, ultimately leading to the realization of the brahman-ātman identity. This understanding is rooted in the concept of 'avidyā' or ignorance, which Shankara discusses in his Brahmasutra Bhashya, where he explains that the removal of avidyā leads to the revelation of the true nature of the self, which is none other than brahman. Thus, this verse points to the liberating knowledge that transcends the duality of the mundane world.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In this verse, the dialogue between Bhishma and Yudhishthira, the king of dharma, is seen as a representation of the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). According to Ramanuja's commentary, the Bhishma-Yudhishthira conversation symbolizes the gracious guidance of the Lord towards the devotee, illustrating the principle of 'prapatti' or surrender, which is a central theme in Vaiṣṇava tradition. Madhva, on the other hand, might interpret this verse as highlighting the distinction between the Lord and the individual souls, emphasizing the bheda or difference between them, yet underscoring the loving relationship between the two. This devotional reading brings forth the personal and relational aspects of the ultimate reality, where the jīva seeks to connect with Īśvara through bhakti or devotion.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse, 'tato duvāca bhīṣmo dharmarājaṃ mahāyaśaḥ', holds profound practical implications for contemporary life, as understood through the lens of Neo-Vedānta. Swami Vivekananda, in his lectures, often emphasized the importance of realizing one's true nature, which is characterized by virtues such as dharma. The conversation between Bhishma and Yudhishthira can be seen as a call to introspection and self-reflection, guiding individuals towards a life of ethical responsibility and moral integrity. S. Radhakrishnan, in his philosophical writings, might interpret this verse as an illustration of the universal principle of dharma, which transcends narrow sectarian divides, advocating for a global ethic that promotes harmony and understanding among diverse cultures and traditions. This reading inspires individuals to embrace their universal duties and strive for the betterment of society, fostering a sense of global citizenship and shared humanity.

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