Saḥ eva ayaṁ mayā tveṣā prakṛtiḥ paripālitā

Prakṛtiḥ (nature) tv eṣā (this) mayā (by Me) paripālitā (is maintained) evā (indeed) ayaṁ (this) saḥ (it)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, Śaṅkarācārya interprets this verse as underscoring the non-dual nature of reality. He argues that the maintenance of the cosmos by the Supreme Self (Paramātman) implies that there is no distinction between the individual self (jīva) and the ultimate reality (Brahman). According to Śaṅkarācārya, this verse points to the identity of Brahman and Ātman, where the cosmos is an illusion (māyā) created by Brahman. He further explains that the phrase 'paripālitā' (maintained) signifies the omnipresent and all-pervading nature of Brahman, which sustains the universe without being affected by it. This interpretation is in line with his commentary on the Brahmasūtra, where he emphasizes the ultimate reality as consciousness (cit) and the world as a mere appearance (vivarta). Thus, this verse is seen as affirming the fundamental non-duality of existence, where the distinction between the individual and the universe is transcended.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): Rāmānujācārya, a key proponent of the Vaiṣṇava tradition, interprets this verse as highlighting the dependence of the cosmos on the divine will of Īśvara (the Lord). He argues that the phrase 'prakṛtiḥ paripālitā' signifies the divine providence that sustains the universe, where the jīva (individual self) is intimately connected with Īśvara. According to Rāmānuja, this verse points to the concept of 'aprthak-siddhi,' where the individual self, though distinct from the Lord, is inseparable from Him. This relationship is characterized by a deep sense of devotion and dependence, where the jīva seeks refuge in Īśvara. In contrast, Madhvācārya, another prominent Vaiṣṇava thinker, emphasizes the distinction between the jīva and Īśvara, arguing that this verse highlights the Lord's role as the sustainer of the universe, while the individual self remains a separate entity. Both perspectives, however, affirm the central role of devotion (bhakti) in realizing the divine.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, a key figure in modern Vedānta, interprets this verse as highlighting the universal and practical implications of the concept of 'prakṛti.' He argues that the phrase 'prakṛtiḥ paripālitā' signifies the inherent potential for self-maintenance andbalance within the natural world. According to Vivekānanda, this verse points to the importance of recognizing and respecting the interconnectedness of all existence, where the individual self is not separate from the universe. He further explains that this understanding can be applied to contemporary life, where the pursuit of individual happiness and fulfillment must be balanced with a sense of responsibility towards the larger cosmic context. Similarly, S. Rādhākrishnan, an Indian philosopher and statesman, interprets this verse as emphasizing the need for a holistic and integral approach to life, where the individual, society, and nature are seen as interdependent. He argues that this verse points to the importance of cultivating a sense of unity and cooperation, rather than competition and exploitation, in order to maintain the balance and harmony of the universe.

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