nā ayam hi kaścit kāleṇa mṛyate vā

kaścit (anyone) nā (not) ayam (this) hi (for) kāleṇa (by time) mṛyate (dies) vā (or)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, nāyaṁ hi kaścit kālenamṛyate vā, underscores the non-dual nature of reality by implying that the essential self, or ātman, is beyond the bounds of time and mortality. According to Shankara, the concept of birth and death applies only to the physical body and the ephemeral ego, not to the ātman, which is eternal and unchanging. In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, Shankara explains that the ātman's immortality is a fundamental aspect of its identity with Brahman, the ultimate reality. This verse thus points to the brahman-ātman identity, where the individual self is not separate from the universal consciousness. Through this understanding, one can attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death, realizing the timeless and deathless nature of the true self.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition interprets this verse as affirming the eternal existence of the jīva, or the individual soul, in relation to Īśvara, the personal deity. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, sees this verse as highlighting the distinction between the jīva and the physical body, emphasizing that the jīva's existence is not conditioned by time or mortality. The verse is understood to convey that the jīva's essence remains untouched by the cycles of birth and death, which affect only the body. This perspective underscores the devotional relationship between the jīva and Īśvara, where the jīva's liberation is achieved through devotion and the grace of Īśvara. Madhvācārya, while agreeing on the jīva's eternity, would further emphasize the real distinction between the jīva and Īśvara, highlighting the dependence of the jīva on Īśvara for its liberation.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse offers a profound insight into the human condition, emphasizing the timeless and immortal nature of the self. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often referred to such verses to inspire individuals to look beyond the ephemeral nature of worldly existence and to realize their true, divine potential. He saw this verse as a call to awaken to one's inner strength and immortality, transcending the fears and limitations imposed by the belief in mortality. Similarly, S. Radhakrishnan, in his philosophical works, interpreted this verse as pointing to the universal and eternal aspects of human consciousness, which remains unaffected by the flux of time and change. This understanding, according to Radhakrishnan, can lead to a more compassionate, courageous, and meaningful life, as individuals recognize their inherent divinity and connection to the universe.

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