na hi dehavatām deho deho na ca dehavat

dehavatām (of embodied beings) deho (the body) na hi (not indeed) deho (is the body) dehavat (of the disembodied) na ca (not also)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the non-dual nature of reality, pointing to the distinction between the physical body and the true Self (ātman). According to Shankara, the body is merely an instrument (upādhi) for the Self, and its existence is dependent on the Self, not the other way around. In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, Shankara notes that the verse emphasizes the impermanence of the physical body, which is subject to birth, death, and rebirth, whereas the true Self remains unchanged. This understanding leads to the realization of the brahman-ātman identity, where the individual Self is ultimately one with the supreme Reality (Brahman). Shankara's reasoning on this verse is closely tied to his overall non-dualistic interpretation of the Gītā, emphasizing the need to transcend the limitations of the physical body and realize one's true nature as Brahman. By doing so, one achieves liberation from the cycle of suffering and attains eternal peace and freedom.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): This verse highlights the complex relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the supreme Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Gītā, interprets this verse as emphasizing the dependence of the jīva on Īśvara for its very existence. The body, in this view, is seen as a vehicle for the jīva to experience the world and ultimately attain liberation through devotion to Īśvara. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, takes a more dualistic approach, emphasizing the distinction between the jīva and Īśvara. For Madhva, this verse underscores the importance of recognizing the jīva's inherent dependence on Īśvara, while also acknowledging the jīva's unique individuality. In both perspectives, the verse is seen as a call to devotees to cultivate a deeper understanding of their relationship with the divine, and to strive for a life of devotion and self-surrender. The Vaiṣṇava tradition thus sees this verse as a key to unlocking the mysteries of the divine-human relationship, and as a blueprint for the path to spiritual liberation.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse holds great significance for contemporary life, as it points to the universal human quest for meaning and purpose beyond the physical body. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Gītā, emphasized the importance of recognizing the distinction between the body and the true Self, which he saw as a key to unlocking human potential. According to Vivekānanda, this verse encourages individuals to look beyond the limitations of the physical body and to cultivate a sense of inner awareness and spiritual growth. S. Rādhākrishnan, similarly, saw this verse as a call to transcend the narrow confines of the ego and to realize one's true nature as a spark of the divine. In his writings, Rādhākrishnan highlighted the practical application of this verse, encouraging individuals to cultivate a sense of detachment and inner freedom, even in the midst of worldly responsibilities. By doing so, one can attain a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment, and contribute to the creation of a more just and harmonious world. This verse thus serves as a powerful reminder of the universal human aspiration for transcendence and self-realization, and its message remains highly relevant in today's world.

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