After a short commenary at the very outset, śankarācārya remains silent until the 11th verse of the 2nd chapter of the bhagavad gītā. These introductory verses set the backstory, and are not crucial to the teachings of the gītā proper. We usually rely on the explanations given by ānandagiri for these verses.
There is another commentary, called the gītā-tātparya-bodhinī by svāmī śaṅkarānanda (the preceptor of svāmī vidyāraṇya). It is often called “a commentary for sannyāsins”, and is not widely read. I happened to borrow a copy and read through the first chapter.
I found his commentary on the first chapter refreshing. I prefer his commentary on these verses to those by ānandagiri, or madhusūdāna sarasvatī. It contains just the right about of detail, and is written in a simple yet elegant style.
Where his views diverge slightly from other commentators, I prefer his reading. For example, let us take the second verse of the gītā, where duryodhana looks at the opposing pāṇḍava army and goes to his preceptor, droṇa.
dṛṣṭvā tu pāṇḍavānīkaṁ vyūḍhaṁ duryodhanastadā | ācāryaṁ upasaṁgamya rājā vacanam abravīt ||
Commentators including ānandagiri and madhusūdana sarasvatī explain that this verse shows a lack of fear by the pāṇḍavās; on the other hand, it shows duryodhana’s fear. This is often repeated, but the explanation seems forced. The tātparyabodhinī has a straightforward explanation, in line with duryodhana’s character --
śaurya-bala-pauruṣa-utsāha-udrekaṁ saṁpādayitum icchayā idaṁ vacanam abravīt ||
i.e. duryodhana described the opposing army in order to incite and infuse his troops with enthusiasm on the eve of the war. This is the logical action expected of an army chieftain.
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