teṣāṁ satata-yuktānāṁ bhaktānāṁ ca paripālayan mayi te manas ādhou tu māyām etāṁ vyatihanyāti

teṣāṁ (of them) satata (always) yuktānāṁ (who are engaged) bhaktānāṁ (of devotees) ca (and) paripālayan (who are protecting) tu (indeed) te (your) manas (mind) mayi (in Me) ādhou (place) māyām (this illusory energy) etāṁ (this) vyatihanyāti (overcomes)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, Śaṅkarācārya interprets this verse as highlighting the role of devotion in realizing the ultimate non-dual reality. He notes that for those who are satatayuktānāṁ, or always engaged, in serving the divine, māyā, or the divine illusion, does not obstruct their path to Self-realization. Here, Śaṅkarācārya underscores that true devotion involves recognizing the identity of the individual self (ātman) with the ultimate reality (Brahman), and it is this understanding that leads to liberation. In his commentary on this verse, Śaṅkarācārya emphasizes that the concept of 'Me' (mayi) refers not to a personal deity but to the supreme Brahman, indicating that devotion is a means to realize the brahman-ātman identity, thus pointing towards a non-dual reading of the text. This interpretation is in line with his overall approach to the Gītā, where he sees the text as a treatise on the attainment of liberation through the realization of the non-dual nature of reality.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, views this verse as a pivotal expression of the devotee's relationship with the Lord. For Rāmānuja, the phrase 'satatayuktānāṁ bhaktānāṁ' underscores the importance of constant devotion and service to the Lord, which is seen as a means of overcoming the obstacles posed by māyā. Rāmānuja's emphasis is on the personal relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Lord), and he interprets 'mayi' as referring to the personal God, Vishnu, indicating that devotion to a personal deity is the path to liberation. In contrast, Madhvācārya might interpret the role of māyā in a more dualistic sense, emphasizing the real distinction between the Lord and the devotee, yet also highlighting the importance of devotion in transcending the limitations imposed by māyā. Both interpretations within the Vaiṣṇava tradition focus on the devotional aspects of the verse, emphasizing the role of love and service to the divine as the central path to spiritual liberation.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the universality and practicality of spiritual teachings. Regarding this verse, he might interpret it as underscoring the importance of dedication and service in overcoming the illusions that stand in the way of realizing one's true nature. Vivekānanda's emphasis would be on the practical application of spiritual principles in daily life, suggesting that through service and devotion, individuals can transcend the limitations of the mundane world and realize their higher potential. Similarly, S. Rādhākrishnan, in his philosophical works, might view this verse as highlighting the role of spiritual practice in integrating the individual personality and realizing the universal spirit. He would likely connect this verse to contemporary life by emphasizing the need for individuals to engage in selfless service and devotion as a means of personal transformation and social reform, thus applying the timeless principles of the Bhagavad Gītā to the challenges of the modern world.

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