traiguṇitam tribhāvam trividham prāṇinām

prāṇinām (of living beings) trividham (threefold) tribhāvam (nature) traiguṇitam (consisting of three guṇas)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, Śaṅkarācārya interprets the verse 'traiguṇitam tribhāvam trividhaṁ prāṇinām' to signify that the three gunas of prakṛti (sattva, rajas, and tamas) are the root cause of the three states of beings, implying a non-dual reading where these distinctions are ultimately illusions (māyā) veiling the true nature of brahman-ātman. According to Śaṅkara, this verse underscores the importance of transcending the guṇas to realize the ātman, which is beyond the triad of guṇas and states, thus pointing to the ultimate reality of brahman. This transcendent reality is untouched by the fluctuations of the guṇas, reinforcing the non-dual (advaita) understanding of the ultimate identity of brahman and ātman, as discussed in his commentary on the Brahmasūtra.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition, particularly through the lens of Rāmānujācārya, views the relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Lord) as central to understanding the verse. Rāmānuja's commentary, the Śrī Bhāṣya, although not directly on this verse, implies that the three gunas and the resultant states of beings are under the control of Īśvara, suggesting a devotional reading where the jīva's liberation is dependent on surrender to the Lord. This perspective emphasizes the dependent nature of the jīva on Īśvara, highlighting the importance of bhakti (devotion) as a means to transcend the influences of the three gunas and achieve mokṣa (liberation). Madhvācārya, in his Dvaita Vedānta, might interpret this verse to stress the real distinction between the jīva and Īśvara, emphasizing the role of the Lord in guiding the jīva through the complexities of the guṇas.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, a key figure in Neo-Vedānta, would likely interpret the verse 'traiguṇitam tribhāvam trividhaṁ prāṇinām' as an exhortation to rise above the limitations imposed by the three gunas, emphasizing the potential of the human spirit to transcend these earthly bonds. In his lectures and writings, Vivekānanda often spoke about the universal principles that underlie all existence, suggesting that this verse points to the practical application of understanding and managing the gunas in daily life to achieve a higher state of consciousness. Similarly, S. Rādhākrishnan, in his philosophical works, might see this verse as an invitation to explore the universal and timeless wisdom of the Vedānta, applying its insights to contemporary life by recognizing the interplay of the gunas in individual and societal contexts, and striving for balance and harmony in the pursuit of human flourishing.

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