Kāmaḥ eṣaḥ krodhaḥ ca nāśayati, ayuktaḥ yasya sarvān indriyāṇi saṁyataḥ

Eṣaḥ (this) kāmaḥ (desire) krodhaḥ ca (and anger) yuktasya (of one who is not on the right path) sarvān indriyāṇi (all senses) nāśayati (destroy), yasya (of one whose) saṁyataḥ (are restrained) ayuktaḥ (is not on the right path)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse highlights the destructive nature of desire and anger, which Shankara interprets as obstacles to realizing the non-dual Brahman. According to Shankara's commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, these two emotions 'destroy the well-regulated senses' by creating a sense of duality and separation from the ultimate reality. The phrase 'ayuktaḥ yasya' refers to the unregulated person who is still under the sway of the ego and has not yet realized the identity of the individual self (ātman) with the ultimate reality (Brahman). This realization is the key to transcending the limitations of the human condition and achieving liberation. Shankara's commentary emphasizes the need for self-control and the cultivation of a balanced and tranquil mind in order to experience the true nature of reality. By citing closely related passages, such as BG 2.56, which describes the state of one who has attained self-control, Shankara demonstrates the importance of this verse in the context of the larger text.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is seen as an illustration of the consequences of not surrendering to the will of God (Īśvara). According to Rāmānujācārya's commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, the 'unregulated person' is one who has not submitted to the divine will and is therefore controlled by their own desires and emotions. The 'desire and anger' that 'destroy the well-regulated senses' are seen as symptoms of this lack of surrender. In contrast, the devotee who has surrendered to God is able to cultivate self-control and regulate their senses, leading to a deeper relationship with the divine. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, emphasizes the importance of recognizing the distinction between the individual self (jīva) and God (Īśvara), and sees this verse as a warning against the dangers of ignorance and the importance of proper knowledge of the self and the divine. Both Rāmānujācārya and Madhvācārya agree that this verse highlights the need for devotion and surrender to the divine will.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse has significant implications for contemporary life, as it highlights the dangers of allowing desire and anger to control our actions. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Bhagavad Gītā, emphasizes the importance of cultivating self-awareness and self-control in order to transcend the limitations of the ego and achieve a higher state of consciousness. He sees this verse as a call to recognize the destructive power of negative emotions and to strive for a more balanced and compassionate way of living. Similarly, S. Rādhākrishnan, in his writings on the Bhagavad Gītā, highlights the importance of integrating the different aspects of the personality and achieving a state of inner harmony and balance. This verse is seen as a reminder of the need for personal growth and transformation, and the importance of recognizing the interconnectedness of all aspects of human existence. By applying the principles of this verse to contemporary life, we can work towards creating a more just and compassionate society.

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