tato dharmarājasya putro dhṛtarāṣṭraḥ tv atha tat niśi

tato dharmarājasya (then, of Yama, the King of Dharma) putroḥ (son) dhṛtarāṣṭraḥ (Dhṛtarāṣṭra) tv (was) atha (then) tat (that) niśi (night)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, 'tato dharmarājasya putro dhṛtarāṣṭrastv atha tanniśi', offers a glimpse into the non-dual nature of reality by introducing Dhṛtarāṣṭra as the son of Dharmarāja, or Yama, who represents the embodiment of dharma. According to Shankara, the ultimate reality, Brahman, is beyond all attributes and dualities. In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, Shankara explains that the wise see the Ātman in all beings, emphasizing the unity of existence. This verse, by tracing Dhṛtarāṣṭra's lineage back to Yama, subtly points towards this unity, underscoring that even figures bound by worldly roles and blindness to their true nature are, at the core, connected to the divine. This reading aligns with Shankara's reasoning on the unity of Brahman and Ātman, where the distinctions between beings are ultimately illusory, and all is seen as a manifestation of the one ultimate reality.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition views this verse through the lens of devotional relationship and the distinction between the jīva (the individual self) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his Brahmasūtra Bhāṣya, discusses the concept of the jīva being under the control of Īśvara, highlighting their dependent relationship. In the context of this verse, Dhṛtarāṣṭra's introduction as the son of Dharmarāja can be seen as an illustration of the jīva's origin from and dependence on the divine. Madhvācārya, with his emphasis on the real distinction between the Supreme and the individual souls, would likely view Dhṛtarāṣṭra's character and his actions in the Mahābhārata as a demonstration of the jīva's inherent qualities and tendencies when not surrendered to Īśvara. This perspective underscores the Vaiṣṇava theme of the jīva's journey towards realizing its true relationship with the divine, with figures like Dhṛtarāṣṭra serving as examples of the complexities and challenges in this journey.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse offers a profound lesson in the universal and practical application of Vedāntic principles. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures, often emphasized the importance of realizing one's true nature beyond external roles and circumstances. The introduction of Dhṛtarāṣṭra, a king bound by his blindness and earthly attachments, serves as a symbol for the human condition—trapped in our own limitations and misconceptions. Vivekānanda would likely interpret this verse as a call to transcend such boundaries, to look beyond the surface and recognize the divine spark within every being. Similarly, Sarvepalli Rādhākrishnan, in his philosophical writings, discusses the concept of the universal self, highlighting the importance of self-realization and the recognition of one's true identity beyond worldly designations. This verse, in the context of contemporary life, reminds us of the importance of introspection, self-awareness, and the pursuit of one's true nature, echoing Vivekānanda's and Rādhākrishnan's emphasis on the practical and universal applicability of Vedāntic teachings.

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