na hi kalyāṇa-kṛtena kartum na āśayati eṣa na ayam ātma-saṃcaya-yogāgre naśyāt yat prāptam

kartā (doer) eṣa (this) na (not) ayam (this) hi (indeed) kalyāṇa-kṛtena (by one who is doing good) kartum (to do) na āśayati (has no intention) ātma-saṃcaya-yogāgre (at the time of self-realization) prāptam (the gained) yat (which) naśyāt (would be destroyed)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, na hi kalyāṇakṛtena kartuṃ nāśayaty eṣa nāyam, underscores the permanence of spiritual attainments in the pursuit of self-realization. According to Shankara, the phrase 'ātmasaṃcayayogāgre' suggests the culmination of one's efforts towards Self-knowledge. In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, Shankara explains that the practice of yoga, as described here, leads to the realization of the identity of the individual self (ātman) with the ultimate reality (Brahman). This realization is not destroyed by lack of positive actions, for it is a state of being rather than a product of action. Thus, this verse points to the non-dual nature of reality, emphasizing that the attainment of Self-knowledge is not dependent on external actions but is a discovery of one's true, unchanging nature.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is seen as an affirmation of the eternal relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Gītā, interprets 'ātmasaṃcayayogāgre' as the path that leads to the direct experience of one's inherent relationship with God. The phrase 'na hi kalyāṇakṛtena kartuṃ nāśayaty eṣa nāyam' indicates that this divine connection is not broken by the lack of pious deeds, once it is established through the practice of yoga, which, in the Vaiṣṇava context, includes devotion and surrender to the Lord. This understanding highlights the Vaiṣṇava emphasis on the personal relationship between the devotee and the Deity, suggesting that spiritual progress and the attainment of spiritual goals are facilitated by devotion and divine grace.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse speaks to the contemporary quest for spiritual fulfillment and the practical application of yoga in daily life. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, emphasized the universal applicability of yoga, not just as a physical or mental discipline, but as a way of life that integrates the pursuit of spiritual knowledge with practical action. The idea that 'na hi kalyāṇakṛtena kartuṃ nāśayaty eṣa nāyam' suggests that once an individual embarks on the path of self-cultivation and spiritual practice, the progress made is not negated by the lack of further action. Instead, it signifies a profound shift in the individual's perspective and understanding, leading to a more meaningful and purposeful life. This interpretation aligns with the Neo-Vedānta focus on the practical and inclusive aspects of spiritual traditions, encouraging individuals to find harmony between their inner growth and outer actions in the world.

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