nā ahaṁ kartā hy ahaṁ kartum

kartā (doer) hy (for) ahaṁ (I) nā (not) kartum (to do) ahaṁ (I)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, Śaṅkarācārya interprets the verse 'nāhaṁ kartā hyahaṁ kar tum' as an expression of the non-dual nature of reality. According to Śaṅkara, the individual self (jīva) is not the doer of actions, but rather it is the ultimate reality, Brahman, that is the sole agent. The illusion of being the doer (kartṛtva) arises due to ignorance (avidyā) of one's true nature. This verse points to the Brahman-ātman identity, where the individual self is ultimately one with the universal self, Brahman. Śaṅkara's reasoning is based on the idea that the ultimate reality is beyond all distinctions, including the distinction between the doer and the action. By realizing this non-dual nature, one can attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya): Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, views the verse 'nāhaṁ kartā hyahaṁ kar tum' as an expression of the jīva's dependence on Īśvara. According to Rāmānuja, the individual self (jīva) is not the independent doer of actions, but rather it is the servant of Īśvara, the supreme Lord. The jīva's actions are ultimately guided by Īśvara, and the sense of being the doer (kartṛtva) arises due to the jīva's limited understanding. This verse highlights the relationship between the jīva and Īśvara, where the jīva is in a state of surrender and dependence on the Lord. Rāmānuja's position emphasizes the importance of devotion and surrender to Īśvara, rather than simply realizing the non-dual nature of reality.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda): Swami Vivekānanda interprets the verse 'nāhaṁ kartā hyahaṁ kar tum' as a call to transcend the ego-based notion of doership. According to Vivekānanda, the sense of being the doer (kartṛtva) arises from the ego's tendency to identify with the actions of the body and mind. This verse encourages the individual to go beyond this limited perspective and realize their true nature as a spark of the divine. In his lectures, Vivekānanda emphasizes the importance of selflessness and detachment in achieving this realization. He writes, 'The idea of duty is a mere myth, and the idea of duty is a mere delusion' (Complete Works, Vol. 2), highlighting the need to transcend the ego-based notion of doership and instead, cultivate a sense of unity and oneness with all existence. This verse has practical applications in contemporary life, encouraging individuals to adopt a more selfless and compassionate approach to their actions and interactions.

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