atha + yoga-śvaraḥ + śrī-kṛṣṇaḥ + rāga-vivardhanaḥ + udai-ra-vindata-tatim + yayau + tato + madhyamam + padam

atha (now) yoga-śvaraḥ (the Lord of Yoga) śrī-kṛṣṇaḥ (the glorious Kṛṣṇa) rāga-vivardhanaḥ (who increases attachment) yayau (went) udai-ra-vindata-tatim (to the northern shore of the Vindata River) tato (then) madhyamam (the middle) padam (position)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse points to the ultimate reality of non-duality, where the distinctions between the lower, middle, and higher stations become irrelevant. As Shankara notes in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, the Master of Yoga, Śrīkṛṣṇa, is not just a personality but a symbol of the supreme consciousness that pervades all existence. The 'increase of passion' (rāga-vivardhanaḥ) refers to the awakening of the individual self (jīva) to its true nature, which is none other than the universal Self (Brahman). The ascension to the middle station signifies the transcendence of the dualistic consciousness and the realization of the identity of the individual self with the ultimate reality. Thus, this verse underscores the central theme of Advaita Vedānta, which is the attainment of liberation through the realization of the non-dual nature of reality.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is seen as an expression of the divine grace of Śrīkṛṣṇa, who, as the Master of Yoga, guides the devotee (jīva) through the various stages of spiritual growth. The 'increase of passion' (rāga-vivardhanaḥ) refers to the intensification of devotion (bhakti) in the heart of the devotee, which enables him to ascend to higher levels of spiritual awareness. According to Rāmānujācārya, the middle station represents the state of self-surrender (prapatti), where the devotee, having transcended the limitations of the individual self, attains a deeper understanding of the divine nature and develops an intimate relationship with the Lord (Īśvara). Madhvācārya, on the other hand, views this verse as a description of the five-fold difference (pañcha-bheda) between the Lord and the devotee, highlighting the distinction between the independent (svatanta) and the dependent (paratanta) realities.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse can be seen as a call to spiritual awakening and self-transformation. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Bhagavad Gītā, emphasizes the importance of intensity and passion (rāga) in the pursuit of spiritual growth. The 'increase of passion' (rāga-vivardhanaḥ) refers to the cultivation of a intense longing for the divine, which enables the individual to transcend the limitations of the ego and attain a higher state of consciousness. The ascension to the middle station represents the integration of the individual personality, where the lower, instinctual nature is transcended, and the higher, spiritual nature is realized. As S. Rādhākrishnan notes, this verse highlights the importance of balancing the active and contemplative aspects of human nature, leading to a more comprehensive and fulfilling life. In contemporary life, this verse can be seen as a reminder of the need to cultivate passion and intensity in our pursuits, whether spiritual, intellectual, or creative, in order to realize our full potential and live a more meaningful and purposeful life.

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