na me pārthasthām pṛthivyām vā rājyam gopā avasādanam na ca rājyena kīrti m iccha

na (no) me (my) pārthasthām (on earth) pṛthivyām vā (or on earth) rājyam (kingdom) gopā (of cowherds) avasādanam (a dwelling place) na (not) iccha (I desire) ca (and) rājyena (by kingdom) kīrti m (fame)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the non-dual nature of reality, where the distinction between the individual self (jīva) and the ultimate reality (Brahman) is transcended. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, interprets Krishna's renunciation of kingdom and fame as a demonstration of detachment from worldly desires. This detachment is a necessary step towards realizing the brahman-ātman identity, where the individual self is seen as non-different from the ultimate reality. By citing the example of Krishna, who, despite being the supreme being, does not crave earthly kingdom or fame, Śaṅkarācārya emphasizes the importance of cultivating a mindset that is untouched by worldly desires, thereby facilitating the realization of the non-dual nature of reality. In his commentary on this verse, Śaṅkarācārya highlights the futility of seeking fulfillment in external sources, such as kingdom or fame, and instead points to the inner fulfillment that arises from the realization of the self's true nature.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition interprets this verse in the context of the relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the supreme being). Rāmānujācārya, in his Śrī Bhāṣya, views Krishna's statement as an expression of his inner detachment, which is a characteristic of the supreme being. This detachment is not a rejection of the world, but rather a demonstration of Krishna's transcendence over worldly desires. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, sees this verse as an affirmation of the doctrine of bheda-abheda, which posits a simultaneous difference and non-difference between the jīva and Īśvara. Krishna's renunciation of kingdom and fame is seen as a manifestation of his non-difference with the jīva, who is also capable of transcending worldly desires through devotion to the supreme being. In this context, the verse is seen as a call to the devotee to cultivate a similar detachment and devotion to the supreme being, thereby realizing their own inherent divinity.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse has a profound universal and practical application in contemporary life. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the importance of detachment and selflessness in achieving true fulfillment. He saw Krishna's renunciation of kingdom and fame as a powerful example of the need to transcend egoistic desires and instead cultivate a sense of inner fulfillment. Vivekānanda argued that this inner fulfillment can only be achieved by realizing one's true nature, which is beyond the limitations of the external world. S. Rādhākrishnan, in his interpretation of the Bhagavad Gītā, highlights the importance of this verse in the context of modern life, where individuals are often driven by external desires and expectations. He sees Krishna's statement as a call to re-examine one's priorities and values, and to cultivate a sense of inner detachment and fulfillment that is not dependent on external sources. By applying the principles of this verse, individuals can develop a more meaningful and purposeful life, unhindered by the fleeting nature of worldly desires and expectations.

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