tato dharmasahito rājā paryāptam idam abravīt

tato (then) rājā (the king) dharmasahito (accompanied by Dharma) idam (this) paryāptam (sufficient) abravīt (spoke)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In this verse, 'tato dharmasahito rājā paryāptam idam abravīt,' the accompaniment of the king by Dharma signifies the inherent presence of righteousness within the ruler, an embodiment of the universal principle. Shankara, in his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, underscores the importance of understanding the non-dual nature of reality. This verse, in the context of the Mahābhārata, subtly points towards the brahman-ātman identity by suggesting that true leadership or 'rājā' is guided by an innate sense of dharma, which is an aspect of the ultimate reality, Brahman. The phrase 'dharmasahito' implies a union or companionship with dharma, hinting at the non-dualistic perspective where the individual self (ātman) is not separate from the universal principle (Brahman). This interpretation is supported by Shankara's emphasis on the oneness of all existence and the illusion of separation, as discussed in his works such as the Upadesasahasri.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition offers a devotional reading of this verse, focusing on the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, highlights the significance of surrendering to the divine will. The phrase 'dharmasahito rājā' can be seen as a representation of the jīva's dependence on Īśvara, where the king, as a symbol of the jīva, finds guidance and support in Dharma, which is an aspect of the divine. This dependency is not one of separation but of interconnectedness, reflecting the visishtadvaita philosophy of Rāmānujācārya, which emphasizes the real distinction between the soul and God, yet their inseparable relationship. Madhvācārya, from a dvaita perspective, would likely focus on the distinction between the king (as a symbol of the individual) and Dharma (as a manifestation of God's will), emphasizing the dualistic relationship between the jīva and Īśvara.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, a key figure in Neo-Vedānta, emphasized the universal and practical application of Vedantic principles in everyday life. He would likely interpret 'tato dharmasahito rājā paryāptam idam abravīt' as a call to action for individuals to align themselves with their inner dharma or righteousness. In his lectures, such as those compiled in 'The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda,' Vivekananda often talked about the importance of realizing one's true nature and living in accordance with it. This verse, from a modern perspective, encourages leaders and individuals alike to embody principles of justice, compassion, and truth, reflecting the universal dharma that underlies all human existence. S. Radhakrishnan, another proponent of Neo-Vedānta, would view this verse through the lens of humanism and the pursuit of a universal ethic, seeing in 'dharmasahito rājā' a model for a leader who is guided by a broad, inclusive, and compassionate worldview.

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