Tato dharmarājaḥ śṛṇu rājann viṣayān tvayā gatān

Tato (then) dharmarājaḥ (the King of Dharma) rājann (O King) tvayā (by you) gatān (gone) viṣayān (subjects) śṛṇu (hear)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In the context of this verse, 'tato dharmarājaḥ śṛṇu rājann viṣayān tvayā gatān', Śaṅkara's commentary highlights the importance of understanding the transient nature of worldly matters and the eternal essence of the Self. He notes that just as the king must attend to the affairs of his kingdom, the individual must turn inward to comprehend the true nature of reality, unencumbered by the fleeting concerns of the world. This introspection ultimately reveals the identity of the individual self (ātman) with the universal consciousness (brahman), as stated in the Chāndogya Upaniṣad, 'tat tvam asi' (That thou art). This verse, in Shankara's view, serves as a call to introspection, urging the seeker to look beyond the ephemeral and engage with the profound, eternal reality that underlies all existence.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition interprets this verse as an invitation to surrender to the divine will, encapsulated in the figure of Dharmarāja, who represents the embodiment of righteous duty. Rāmānujācārya would view this as a moment where the individual is called to acknowledge and align themselves with the divine order, recognizing the interdependence of the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). This alignment is not just about fulfilling duties but about cultivating a deep devotion and understanding of one's place within the cosmic scheme. In the words of the Bhagavad Gītā, 'sarva-dharmān parityajya, mām ekam śaraṇam vraja' (Abandon all varieties of dharma and just surrender unto me alone), the verse is seen as a poignant reminder of the ultimate dependence of the individual on the divine and the path of devotion as the means to true understanding and liberation.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, a key figure in the Neo-Vedānta movement, would view this verse as a call to awaken to one's true potential and to recognize the universal principles that govern human existence. He often emphasized the importance of practical application of spiritual principles in everyday life, suggesting that true understanding and strength come from integrating spiritual insights with worldly responsibilities. In his lectures, such as those found in 'The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda', Vivekananda highlights the need for balance between the inner and outer life, suggesting that one must cultivate a sense of detachment and inner peace while fully engaging with the world. This verse, in the context of modern life, serves as a reminder of the importance of self-reflection, ethical living, and the pursuit of wisdom, encouraging individuals to take a step back, assess their values and actions, and realign themselves with a higher purpose, echoing Vivekananda's message of service, self-control, and the realization of one's true nature.

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