Tato rājā janayātāmasī sarvataḥ pāriplavaṃ punaḥ Rājñā dhṛtarāṣṭreṇa yaḥ preritaḥ saḥ kariṣyati

Tato (then) rājā (king) dhṛtarāṣṭreṇa (by Dhṛtarāṣṭra) preritaḥ (being impelled) yaḥ (who) saḥ (that one) punaḥ (again) sarvataḥ (on all sides) pāriplavaṃ (flood) janayātāmasī (will bring into being) kariṣyati (will do)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Mahābhārata, 'tato rājā janayātāmasī sarvataḥ pāriplavaṃ punaḥ', suggests the cyclical nature of creation and destruction, mirroring the non-dualistic concept of Brahman as the ultimate reality beyond all duality. Shankara's commentary on the Bhagavad Gita emphasizes the idea that the Self (ātman) is not separate from the ultimate reality (Brahman). In this context, the floods and chaos described can symbolize the turbulent mind, which must be stilled to realize the true nature of the Self. The mention of 'rājñā dhṛtarāṣṭreṇa yaḥ preritaḥ saḥ kariṣyati' implies the inevitability of actions set in motion, akin to the concept of karma, but also points towards the guidance of a higher power or wisdom, reflecting the advaitic understanding that all actions and their consequences are part of the illusion (māyā), and true liberation comes from realizing one's identity with Brahman. Thus, the verse indirectly points to the brahman-ātman identity by highlighting the need to transcend worldly disturbances to achieve unity with the ultimate reality.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition views this verse through the lens of bhakti and the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, emphasizes the importance of surrender to the will of God. The flood and chaos mentioned can be seen as symbolic of the difficulties and challenges faced by the devotee on the path to union with the Divine. The phrase 'rājñā dhṛtarāṣṭreṇa yaḥ preritaḥ saḥ kariṣyati' underscores the concept of divine providence, where the actions initiated by the Supreme (through his representatives or divine plan) will come to fruition. This resonates with the Vaiṣṇava idea that the jīva's efforts are guided and supported by Īśvara, leading to liberation through devotion and surrender. Madhvācārya's dualistic approach might interpret the verse as emphasizing the distinction between the independent will of God and the dependent will of the individual, highlighting the necessity of recognizing and obeying divine ordinance to achieve spiritual goals.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda and Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, key figures in Neo-Vedānta, focus on the universal and practical application of ancient wisdom in contemporary life. This verse can be seen as a metaphor for the cycles of change and upheaval that individuals and societies face. The 'universal flood' symbolizes the overwhelming challenges, while 'rājñā dhṛtarāṣṭreṇa yaḥ preritaḥ saḥ kariṣyati' suggests that the course of events set in motion by our actions and decisions will have consequences. Vivekānanda, in his lectures, often stressed the importance of self-reliance and inner strength to navigate life's challenges. Radhakrishnan, with his emphasis on the philosophy of religion, might view this verse as highlighting the interplay between human action and the larger cosmic order, encouraging individuals to find their place within this broader context and strive for harmony and balance. Both thinkers would likely advocate for cultivating a profound sense of responsibility and a deeper understanding of one's role in the world, echoing the message of this verse in a contemporary context.

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