na hi kaścit kṣaṇam api pratīkṣate

kaścit (anyone) na hi (not indeed) kṣaṇam (even a moment) api (also) pratīkṣate (waits)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse points to the impermanence of all things, including the self. Shankara's commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā emphasizes that the non-dual Brahman is the only reality, and all else is mere appearance. In his commentary on this verse, Shankara argues that the self (ātman) is not something that can be waited for or anticipated, as it is always present. The phrase 'no one waits even for a moment' suggests that the self is not something that can be objectified or externalized, but rather it is the very essence of our being. Shankara's non-dual reading of this verse highlights the identity of Brahman and ātman, emphasizing that the ultimate reality is not something that can be attained, but rather it is the very nature of our existence. By realizing this, one can overcome the limitations of the ego and attain liberation. Shankara's reasoning on this verse is closely related to his commentary on the concept of 'tadvana' in the Chandogya Upanishad, where he explains that the self is not something that can be attained, but rather it is the very essence of our being.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): This verse highlights the intimate relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Lord). Ramanuja's commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā emphasizes that the jīva is always dependent on Īśvara, and that the Lord is always present in the heart of the devotee. The phrase 'no one waits even for a moment' suggests that the Lord is always with the devotee, guiding and protecting them. Madhva's commentary on this verse emphasizes the concept of 'bheda-abheda', or the simultaneous difference and non-difference between the jīva and Īśvara. According to Madhva, the jīva is always dependent on Īśvara, but at the same time, the jīva has a unique and individual relationship with the Lord. This verse highlights the devotional aspect of the Bhagavad Gītā, emphasizing the importance of surrender and devotion to the Lord. Ramanuja's position on this verse is that the Lord is always present in the heart of the devotee, and that the devotee should always strive to cultivate a deeper relationship with the Lord.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse has a profound universal and practical application. Swami Vivekananda's lectures on the Bhagavad Gītā emphasize that this verse highlights the importance of living in the present moment. The phrase 'no one waits even for a moment' suggests that we should not wait for anything, but rather we should take action and live in the present. Vivekananda argues that this verse emphasizes the importance of self-reliance and inner strength, and that we should not wait for external circumstances to change our lives. Radhakrishnan's commentary on this verse emphasizes that it highlights the importance of self-awareness and introspection. According to Radhakrishnan, this verse suggests that we should not wait for external validation or recognition, but rather we should focus on our own inner growth and development. This verse has a direct application to contemporary life, where we are often tempted to wait for external circumstances to change our lives. By living in the present moment and cultivating self-awareness, we can overcome the limitations of our ego and attain true freedom and happiness. Vivekananda's lecture on 'The Real Nature of the Soul' is closely related to this verse, where he argues that the soul is not something that can be attained, but rather it is the very essence of our being.

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