karmaṇaḥ sukṛtasya puṇyaṁ śreyaḥ śreyaḥ ca pāpam etat tri-vidhaṁ karmaṇaḥ phalaṁ bhavati

karmaṇaḥ (of action) sukṛtasya (of good deeds) puṇyaṁ (the result is virtue) śreyaḥ (good) śreyaḥ (or good) ca (and) pāpam (or evil) etat (this) tri-vidhaṁ (three kinds of) karmaṇaḥ (of action) phalaṁ (the result) bhavati (is)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, Shankara emphasizes the non-dual reading of this verse, highlighting that the results of actions (karma-phala) are ultimately rooted in the illusion of duality. According to Shankara, the verse 'karmaṇaḥ sukṛtasya puṇyaṁ śreyaḥ' indicates that the distinction between virtuous and vicious actions is a product of the mind, which is itself a manifestation of Brahman. He argues that the true Self (Ātman) is beyond the realm of action and its consequences, and that the realization of this truth is the ultimate goal of human existence. This verse, therefore, points to the brahman-ātman identity, encouraging the seeker to look beyond the fleeting nature of worldly actions and their results, and to strive for the direct experience of the ultimate Reality.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, interprets this verse as emphasizing the importance of devotional actions (bhakti) in achieving liberation. He argues that the 'śreyaḥ' (auspicious) and 'pāpam' (sinful) referred to in the verse are not just the consequences of individual actions, but also the means of cultivating a relationship with the Supreme Lord (Īśvara). According to Rāmānuja, the 'sukṛtasya' (good action) mentioned in the verse refers to actions performed with devotion to Īśvara, which ultimately lead to liberation. In contrast, Madhvācārya, in his Dvaita tradition, views this verse as highlighting the importance of distinguishing between good and bad actions, as a means of maintaining social order and ultimately achieving liberation through devotion to Viṣṇu.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Bhagavad Gītā, emphasizes the universal and practical application of this verse. He argues that the concept of 'karma-phala' (the result of action) is not limited to the individual, but has far-reaching consequences for society as a whole. According to Vivekānanda, this verse highlights the importance of cultivating a sense of responsibility and ethics in our actions, as they have a ripple effect on the world around us. He encourages individuals to strive for selfless action, untainted by personal motives or desires, as a means of achieving true happiness and fulfillment. Similarly, S. Rādhākrishnan, in his writings, connects this verse to the contemporary relevance of the Bhagavad Gītā, emphasizing the need for individuals to cultivate a sense of moral responsibility and to strive for the betterment of society through selfless action.

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