Dharma-kṣetre kuru-kṣetre tapate vandanāt pitarān ābrahmaṇān ca yaḥ pāpaḥ prajāyate gato raṇe

Yaḥ (who) pāpaḥ (sin) gato (having gone) raṇe (to battle) prajāyate (is born, i.e., results) ca (and) ābrahmaṇān (against Brahmins) pitarān (the ancestors) vandanāt (from salutation) tapate (shines, i.e., is celebrated) kuru-kṣetre (in the Kuru field) dharma-kṣetre (in the Dharma field)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): The Dharma-kṣetre kuru-kṣetre tapate verse from the Mahābhārata signifies the realm of dharma, where actions are performed without attachment. According to Shankara, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, such a state reflects the non-dual nature of reality, where individual identities (jiva) are transcended. In this context, 'bowing to the fathers' represents the reverence for the ultimate reality, Brahman. Shankara's reasoning emphasizes that the sin arising from going to war, particularly towards Brahmins, symbolizes the deviation from one's true nature (ātman) and the resultant suffering. This verse thus points to the brahman-ātman identity, illustrating that true liberation involves recognizing the inherent non-duality of existence, which is unaffected by worldly actions like war. By extension, Shankara's non-dual reading of this verse underscores the importance of self-inquiry (ātma-vichāra) to realize this identity and attain liberation.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava perspective on this verse, especially through Rāmānujācārya's lens, views the conflict in the context of a larger divine plan. The 'heat arising from bowing to the fathers' signifies the jīva's (individual soul's) longing for reunion with Īśvara (the supreme Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Gita, emphasizes the concept of prapatti, or surrender, as a means to achieve this union. The 'sin arising from going to war' towards Brahmins is seen as a deviation from one's duty (svadharma) and failure to recognize the divine in all beings, particularly in those devoted to spiritual pursuits like Brahmins. This perspective highlights the importance of devotion (bhakti) and the recognition of the Lord's presence in all, guiding the jīva towards a path of righteousness and ultimately, union with Īśvara. Madhvācārya, in contrast, might view this verse through the lens of absolute dependence on Viṣṇu, emphasizing the pursuit of dharma as a means to please the Lord.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse, when viewed through the lens of Neo-Vedānta, speaks to universal principles applicable to contemporary life. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Bhagavad Gita, emphasized the importance of performing one's duty without attachment to outcomes, a concept closely related to the idea of dharma-kṣetre. The 'heat arising from bowing to the fathers' can be seen as a symbol of the inner struggle and moral dilemmas faced by individuals. Vivekānanda would likely interpret the 'sin arising from going to war' as the conflict between individual desires and the greater good, underscoring the need for self-control and the pursuit of a higher moral standard. Sarvepalli Rādhākrishnan, in a similar vein, might focus on the humanist implications of the verse, highlighting the universal values of compassion, tolerance, and the recognition of the divine in all beings. He would likely emphasize the importance of dialogue and peaceful resolution of conflicts, mirroring the spirit of the Upaniṣads and the Mahābhārata in promoting a harmonious and enlightened society.

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