na hi duḥkhena viyogo na ca mohāt api muktiḥ

na (no) hi (indeed) duḥkhena (by suffering) viyogo (separation) na (nor) ca (and) mohāt (from delusion) api (even) muktiḥ (liberation)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the non-dual nature of reality, highlighting that neither sorrow nor delusion can truly cause separation or liberation. According to Shankara, the ultimate reality, Brahman, is untouched by human experiences such as sorrow or delusion. In his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, Shankara explains that the individual self (ātman) is not separate from Brahman but is merely obscured by ignorance (avidyā). This verse supports the notion that liberation (mukti) is not a result of removing delusion but rather the realization of the true nature of the self, which is already liberated. The separation (viyogo) mentioned in the verse is thus an illusion, a product of our limited understanding, not a real separation from the ultimate reality. This understanding aligns with Shankara's concept of 'avidyā' as the cause of our bondage and the necessity of knowledge (jñāna) to remove this ignorance and realize the brahman-ātman identity.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is interpreted through the lens of the relationship between the individual soul (jīva) and the Supreme Lord (Īśvara). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, emphasizes the importance of bhakti (devotion) in achieving liberation. According to Rāmānuja, the individual soul, though inherently pure, is tainted by the influence of the three guṇas, leading to delusion and bondage. This verse suggests that liberation is not merely the removal of delusion but a positive state of being in union with the Lord, achieved through self-surrender and devotion. The separation mentioned is seen as the result of the jīva's ignorance of its true nature and its relationship with Īśvara, while liberation is the realization of this relationship, facilitated by the grace of the Lord. Madhvācārya, with his emphasis on the difference (bheda) between the Lord and the individual souls, would interpret this verse as highlighting the role of knowledge of this difference in achieving liberation, stressing that it is through understanding and devotion that one can overcome delusion and achieve union with the Lord.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse resonates deeply with the universal and practical messages of Neo-Vedānta. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the importance of realizing one's true nature beyond the limitations of sorrow and delusion. He taught that true freedom and liberation can only be achieved by transcending the narrow boundaries of the ego and the disturbances of the mind, which are sources of sorrow and delusion. Vivekānanda would interpret this verse as a call to seek liberation through the realization of one's inner strength and the universal principles that govern human existence, rather than through the fleeting removal of sorrow or delusion. S. Radhakrishnan, with his philosophical inclination, would view this verse as underscoring the human quest for meaning and liberation in contemporary life. He would argue that this verse points to the necessity of cultivating a deeper understanding of oneself and the world, transcending the superficial levels of human experience to achieve a state of inner peace and liberation that is not dependent on external circumstances. This involves recognizing the inherent dignity and potential of every individual and striving for a life of service, compassion, and wisdom.

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