tat saṃsthām praviśyed vāreṇa tena eva nirgamiṣyati

saḥ (he) tena (by that) vāreṇa (means) tatsaṃsthām (that institution) praviśyate (will enter) eva (indeed) tena (by that) eva (same) nirgamiṣyati (will depart)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, tatsamssthāṃ praviśyedvāreṇa tenaiva nirgamiṣyati, is a cornerstone in establishing the non-dual nature of reality. According to Shankara, the 'gate' (vāreṇa) signifies the means or the path through which one realizes the ultimate reality, Brahman. The phrase 'having entered through that very gate' implies a return to one's true nature, which is not different from Brahman. Shankara's commentary on the Brahma Sutras and the Bhagavad Gita emphasizes the identity of the individual self (ātman) with the universal self (Brahman). This verse underscores the idea that the journey of self-realization begins and ends with the realization of this fundamental identity, reinforcing the Advaitic view that the ultimate reality is a unified, undivided whole. By entering through the gate of knowledge or self-inquiry, one exits the cycle of ignorance, realizing the eternal, unchanging essence that is Brahman. This interpretation is in line with Shankara's reasoning in his commentary on the Taittiriya Upanishad, where he discusses the nature of the Self and its relation to the Absolute.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is seen as emphasizing the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Rāmānujācārya interprets the 'gate' as the means of approaching God, which, in the context of the Bhagavad Gita, is through devotion (bhakti) and self-surrender. The act of entering through this gate signifies the jīva's effort to reach God, and the promise that one will 'depart through that same gate' suggests that this relationship with the Divine is eternal and liberating. Madhvācārya, while differing in his interpretation of the nature of the individual soul and God, would also emphasize the devotional aspect, seeing this verse as a call to approach the Lord through the prescribed means, with the assurance of ultimate liberation. Both Rāmānuja and Madhva would see this verse as underscoring the personal, devotional relationship between the jīva and Īśvara, with the 'gate' serving as a metaphor for the path of devotion and surrender that leads to moksha.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekananda and S. Radhakrishnan, key figures in the Neo-Vedanta movement, interpret this verse in a universally applicable and practical manner. According to Vivekananda, the 'gate' represents the disciplined path of spiritual practice and self-control that leads to the realization of one's true nature. The idea of entering and exiting through the same gate suggests the cyclical nature of spiritual growth, where one returns to the world, but with a newfound understanding and perspective. Radhakrishnan, emphasizing the ethical implications, sees this verse as a call to live a life of integrity and moral responsibility, with the 'gate' symbolizing the principles of righteousness and justice that guide human action. He argues that true freedom and liberation come from living in accordance with these principles, which are universal and eternal. Both Vivekananda and Radhakrishnan would connect this verse to contemporary life by emphasizing the importance of spiritual practice, moral living, and the pursuit of knowledge as a means to achieve personal and societal transformation, reflecting the Neo-Vedantic emphasis on the practical application of philosophical principles.

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