na hi - kalyāṇa-kṛtoḥ - asti - kada cid - api - nāsti - muktiḥ - sthūlāt - bhavet

na hi asti - kalyāṇa-kṛtoḥ - kada cid api - muktiḥ nāsti - sthūlāt - bhavet

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse highlights the concept of liberation, where Śaṅkarācārya emphasizes the non-dual nature of reality. In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, Śaṅkarācārya interprets the term 'muktiḥ' as the liberation from the cycle of birth and death, which can only be achieved by realizing the identity of the individual self (ātman) with the ultimate reality (brahman). The verse suggests that even if one engages in welfare-creating endeavors, true liberation cannot be achieved through physical means alone, but rather through the realization of the non-dual nature of reality. Śaṅkarācārya's commentary on this verse underscores the idea that liberation is not something that can be attained, but rather it is the natural state of being that is revealed when the ignorance of the individual self is dispelled. By citing the Bhagavad Gītā verse 2.60, Śaṅkarācārya reinforces the notion that the realization of brahman-ātman identity is the ultimate goal of human existence.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is interpreted in the context of the relationship between the individual self (jīva) and the supreme lord (Īśvara). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, emphasizes the idea that true liberation can only be achieved through devotion to Īśvara, and that the performance of welfare-creating endeavors is a means to cultivate this devotion. The verse suggests that even if one fails to attain liberation, the endeavors undertaken in devotion to Īśvara will ultimately lead to spiritual growth and self-realization. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, interprets the verse in the context of the doctrine of 'bhakti' or devotion, where the individual self, through devotion to Īśvara, can attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death. The Vaiṣṇava tradition views this verse as emphasizing the importance of selfless action and devotion as a means to attain liberation, highlighting the personal relationship between the jīva and Īśvara.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the universal and practical application of this verse. He interpreted the concept of 'muktiḥ' as the liberation from the limitations of the individual self, and saw the performance of welfare-creating endeavors as a means to cultivate the qualities of selflessness and compassion. Vivekānanda argued that true liberation can only be achieved by transcending the narrow boundaries of the individual self and realizing one's unity with the larger cosmic whole. In his work 'The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda', he writes that 'the idea of liberation is not mere liberation from the body, but liberation from the limited self'. S. Rādhākrishnan, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, highlights the importance of this verse in contemporary life, emphasizing the need for individuals to engage in selfless action and cultivate a sense of social responsibility, in order to create a more just and equitable society. Both Vivekānanda and Rādhākrishnan see this verse as emphasizing the importance of practical spirituality and social engagement as a means to achieve personal and collective liberation.

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