mayā āsaktaḥ vinaśyati mayi saṅgama-yogataḥ mayi eva āgataḥ stoti mayi saṅgama-āgataḥ

mayi (in Me) saṅgama-yogataḥ (being attached) āsaktaḥ (one who is attached) vinaśyati (perishes) mayi eva (in Me alone) āgataḥ (one who has come) stoti (praises) mayi (in Me) saṅgama-āgataḥ (having come in contact)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): In this verse, the concept of attachment to the supreme self (mayyāsaktaḥ) signifies a non-dual relationship between the individual self (ātman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman). According to Shankara, such attachment is not a mere emotional bond but a profound understanding of the identity between the individual self and the absolute. This verse underscores the idea that true knowledge of the self (ātma-jñāna) is inseparable from the realization of the ultimate reality, leading to the dissolution of the individual ego and the attainment of liberation (mokṣa). Shankara's commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā emphasizes that this attachment is not a means to an end but an end in itself, as it represents the culmination of the spiritual journey, where the distinction between the individual self and the divine is transcended, revealing their essential oneness.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): This verse is understood in the Vaiṣṇava tradition as emphasizing the loving devotion (bhakti) of the individual soul (jīva) towards the supreme Lord (Īśvara). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, interprets 'mayyāsaktaḥ' as the profound affection and dependency of the jīva on Īśvara, which is reciprocal, as the Lord also loves and cares for the devotee. This mutual love relationship is seen as the foundation of spiritual growth, where the devotee, through surrender and devotion, attains a deep sense of unity and communion with the divine, culminating in eternal servitude (nitya-kainkarya) to the Lord. Madhvācārya further emphasizes the importance of this verse in highlighting the distinction between the Lord and the devotee, yet their inseparable relationship, underscoring the Vaiṣṇava doctrine of 'śuddha-dvaita' or pure non-dualism.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse, in the context of modern Vedānta, is seen as a call to realize one's true potential by aligning oneself with the universal consciousness. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, emphasized the practical application of this verse, encouraging individuals to direct their energies and aspirations towards the ultimate reality, thereby transcending mundane limitations and experiencing a sense of unity and purpose. This attachment (mayyāsaktaḥ) is not seen as a passive devotion but an active engagement with life, guided by principles of truth, non-violence, and compassion, leading to personal transformation and social change. S. Rādhākrishnan, in his philosophical works, further elucidates this concept by highlighting the significance of realizing the universal self (brahman) within, which is not a withdrawal from the world but an enlightened participation in it, fostering a sense of global citizenship and responsibility, rooted in the understanding of our shared human dignity and the interconnectedness of all existence.

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