mūḍho na hi mama santi bahu vasudhāḥ devāṛṣibhiḥ yathā tu ahaṃ mayā proktam tathaiva hi gṛhyatām

mūḍho (you fool) hi (for) na (not) santi (there are) mama (my) bahu (many) vasudhāḥ (planets) devāṛṣibhiḥ (by the sages and gods) yathā (just as) tu (indeed) ahaṃ (I) mayā (by Me) proktam (has been spoken) tathaiva (thus) hi (indeed) gṛhyatām (let it be accepted)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Bhagavad Gītā highlights the non-dual nature of reality, where the Supreme Being is the sole owner of all the planets. According to Shankara, the phrase 'mūḍho na hi mama santi bahu vasudhāḥ devāṛṣibhiḥ' emphasizes that the ignorant do not recognize the all-pervading nature of the Self. Shankara's commentary on this verse underscores the importance of understanding the ultimate reality, Brahman, which is beyond human comprehension. The identity of Brahman and Ātman is central to Shankara's philosophy, and this verse supports the notion that the individual self is not separate from the universal Self. By recognizing this non-dual nature, one can transcend the limitations of the material world and achieve liberation. As Shankara notes in his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, the knowledge of Brahman is the means to attain liberation, and this verse serves as a reminder of the unity and interconnectedness of all existence.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition, as represented by Rāmānujācārya and Madhvācārya, interprets this verse as an affirmation of the Lord's sovereignty over all creation. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, emphasizes the importance of devotion and surrender to the Lord, who is the ultimate reality. The phrase 'yathā tvahaṃ mayā proktam tathaiva hi gṛhyatām' is seen as an invitation to accept the Lord's words and follow His path, which leads to liberation. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, stresses the distinction between the Lord and the individual self, highlighting the dependence of the jīva on Īśvara. This verse is seen as a reminder of the Lord's grace and the need for the individual to cultivate devotion and surrender to attain salvation. The Vaiṣṇava tradition thus emphasizes the personal aspect of the divine and the importance of a loving relationship between the Lord and the devotee.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse from the Bhagavad Gītā has significant implications for contemporary life, as it highlights the importance of recognizing the unity and interconnectedness of all existence. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the need to transcend the limitations of the ego and recognize the divine within. The phrase 'mūḍho na hi mama santi bahu vasudhāḥ devāṛṣibhiḥ' can be seen as a call to move beyond the narrow confines of the individual self and recognize the universal nature of reality. S. Radhakrishnan, in his philosophical works, similarly stresses the importance of realizing the ultimate reality, which is beyond human comprehension. This verse can be applied to contemporary life by recognizing the interconnectedness of all human beings and the natural world, and by cultivating a sense of compassion, empathy, and unity. As Vivekānanda noted in his speech at the Parliament of the World's Religions, the recognition of the unity of all existence is the key to achieving world peace and harmony.

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