na - tvahaṃ - pāṇḍavai - rāgeṇa - hato - na - svārthena - na - ārthinā

na (not) tvahaṃ (I) rāgeṇa (by anger) pāṇḍavai (towards Pāṇḍavas) hato (was killed) na (not) svārthena (for my own sake) na (not) ārthinā (for wealth)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Mahābhārata underscores the non-dual nature of reality, suggesting that actions are not motivated by individual desires or external provocations but are part of the unfolding of the universe. According to Śaṅkara, the ultimate reality, Brahman, is beyond all dualities and individual motivations. In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, Śaṅkara emphasizes the importance of recognizing the ātman-Brahman identity, which transcends the limitations of individual ego and desire. This verse, by indicating that the speaker was not killed out of anger, personal gain, or for a prize, points to a reality beyond the transactional and egoistic, hinting at the Brahman-ātman identity where true understanding and liberation lie. Śaṅkara's reasoning would highlight how this verse encourages the seeker to look beyond the surface level of actions and events to the deeper, unified reality that underlies all existence.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition, with its emphasis on devotion and the personal relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Lord), interprets this verse as a reflection of the complexity of divine play (līlā). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Gītā, discusses how all actions, including those that seem driven by personal motivations, are ultimately part of the divine plan and a means for the jīva to reach its true nature. This verse, by negating common motives for action (anger, self-interest, desire for gain), suggests that true action is that which is in harmony with the divine will, illustrating the surrender of personal ego to the will of Īśvara. Madhvācārya, with his emphasis on the difference between the individual and the divine, might see this verse as highlighting the importance of recognizing one's true place in the scheme of things, submitting one's ego and desires to the divine, and understanding that all events are ultimately part of the Lord's plan.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse, when viewed through the lens of Neo-Vedānta, offers a profound message for contemporary life. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the importance of looking beyond the superficial layers of existence to the deeper, universal truths. This verse, with its negation of common human motivations, encourages the individual to seek a higher purpose and meaning in life, beyond personal anger, self-interest, or the pursuit of external rewards. Rādhākrishnan, in his philosophical works, discussed the universal applicability of Vedāntic principles, suggesting that true freedom and fulfillment come from transcending the limitations of the individual ego and recognizing one's place within the larger cosmic scheme. This verse can be seen as a call to reflection, urging individuals to examine their motivations and strive for a life of service, compassion, and selflessness, thereby realizing their true potential and contributing to the greater good.

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