atha mohāya mamāyām māyayā āptaḥ prapannaḥ

prapannaḥ (I fall) āptaḥ (affected) mamāyām (by my) māyayā (delusion) mohāya (for the purpose of deluding) atha (now)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Bhagavad Gītā underscores the delusional nature of the world, which Śaṅkarācārya often refers to as māyā. In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, Śaṅkara explains that Arjuna's predicament, as expressed in this verse, is a classic example of how the ignorance of one's true nature (brahman-ātman) leads to delusion. The non-dual (advaita) reading of this verse emphasizes that the distinction between the self and the world is a product of this māyā. Śaṅkara's reasoning, as seen in his commentary on the Brahmasūtra, suggests that the individual self (jīva) and the ultimate reality (brahman) are not separate entities but are one and the same. Thus, this verse points to the necessity of recognizing and transcending this delusional separation to realize the brahman-ātman identity.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): From a Vaiṣṇava perspective, this verse highlights the dependency of the jīva (individual self) on Īśvara (the Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, interprets Arjuna's situation as an exemplification of the natural dependence of the jīva on Īśvara, where the jīva, due to its innate weaknesses and limitations, falls prey to māyā. This dependence is not a sign of weakness but a recognition of the fundamental relationship between the jīva and Īśvara, where the former seeks guidance and protection from the latter. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, would view this verse through the lens of the dichotomy between the independent Īśvara and the dependent jīva, emphasizing the necessity of surrender (prapatti) to Īśvara to overcome the delusions caused by māyā.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the practical application of Vedāntic principles in everyday life. This verse, with its acknowledgment of the pervasive influence of māyā (delusion), serves as a reminder of the human tendency to be misled by appearances and external circumstances. Vivekānanda might interpret this verse as a call to introspection and self-awareness, urging individuals to look beyond the delusions of the world and recognize their true potential and nature. Similarly, S. Rādhākrishnan, in his philosophical works, highlighted the universal relevance of the Bhagavad Gītā's teachings, including the message of this verse, which he would see as applicable to contemporary life. The struggle with māyā is seen as a metaphor for the human condition, where individuals must navigate through the complexities and illusions of the world to find their true selves and purpose.

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