māyām etām tvih eva tyaja na ca duḥkhena māyikā

tvih (you) eva (alone) etām (this) māyām (illusory) tyaja (abandon) na (not) ca (and) duḥkhena (with sorrow) māyikā (illusory)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, Śaṅkarācārya interprets this verse as a call to abandon the illusory identification with the worldly realm, which is a product of māyā. He writes that the bondage caused by māyā is due to ignorance of one's true nature, and that this ignorance can be removed by the knowledge of brahman-ātman identity. This verse is pivotal in pointing towards the ultimate reality that lies beyond the veil of māyā, emphasizing the non-dual nature of existence where the individual self (ātman) is ultimately one with the universal self (brahman). By citing this verse, Śaṅkarācārya underscores the necessity of transcending worldly attachments to realize this fundamental identity, thereby liberating oneself from the cycle of suffering and rebirth. The emphasis is on the direct experience of this unity, which alone can dispel the darkness of ignorance and the misery it entails.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, sees this verse as an exhortation to the devotee to transcend the worldly realm, not in a spirit of ascetic rejection, but as a means of deepening one's devotion to Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). He interprets māyā here as the divine power that creates and sustains the universe, and yet, also veils the true nature of the Lord. The call to 'abandon this māyā' is thus a call to seek the Lord's grace, which alone can reveal the true relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara. This understanding underscores the personal and devotional aspect of Vaiṣṇava theology, where the jīva's liberation is seen as a gracious act of the Lord, rather than merely a result of the jīva's effort to realize its identity with brahman. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, would emphasize the real distinction between the Lord and the jīva, highlighting the importance of devotion and surrender in achieving liberation, which is facilitated by recognizing and transcending the influence of māyā.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda and Sarvepalli Rādhākrishnan, key figures in Neo-Vedānta, interpret this verse in a universal and practical light. According to Vivekānanda, the call to abandon māyā is a call to rise above the petty distinctions and worldly concerns that divide humanity. He sees māyā as the sum total of our misconceptions and ignorance, leading to a fragmented view of life. By transcending māyā, one realizes the unity of all existence and the potential for human liberation through service and compassion. Rādhākrishnan, emphasizing the philosophical depth of Indian thought, views this verse as an invitation to explore the human condition beyond the limitations imposed by our perceptions and ego. He argues that recognizing the illusory nature of the worldly does not necessitate asceticism but rather an engagement with the world, guided by wisdom and detachment. This perspective aligns with the emphasis on practical Vedānta, where spiritual growth is intertwined with service to humanity and the cultivation of a broader, more compassionate worldview.

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