na tasya kāryaṃ na karmaṇi asi na sajāto na vijāto na āyataṇaṃ na ca tasyāti

na (not) tasya (of That) kāryaṃ (a doing or action) na (not) karmaṇi (in action) asi (you are or exists), na (not) sajāto (of the same kind or family) na (nor) vijāto (of a different kind or family), na (not) āyataṇaṃ (a location or abode) na (not) ca (and) tasyāti (beyond It)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Kaṭhopaniṣad is pivotal in establishing the non-dual nature of reality. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Upaniṣads, interprets 'na tasya kāryaṃ' as an affirmation that Brahman has no actions or duties to perform, underscoring its freedom from karma. He reasons that since Brahman is the ultimate reality, it cannot be bound by the limitations of cause and effect or the cycle of birth and death. This understanding leads to the realization of the identity of the individual self (ātman) with the universal self (Brahman), as both are beyond the realm of action and karma. In his commentary on the Kaṭhopaniṣad, Śaṅkarācārya emphasizes that the knowledge of this verse is crucial for liberation, as it helps in transcending the worldly illusions and realizing the true, unchanging nature of the self.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition offers a devotional reading of this verse, focusing on the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his Śrī Bhāṣya, interprets the verse as highlighting the supreme independence of Īśvara, who is not bound by any karma or action. This independence is a reminder of the Lord's sovereignty and the dependence of the jīva on Him for liberation. The verse 'na sajāto na vijāto' is seen as affirming the Lord's transcendence of all worldly limitations, including the cycle of birth and death. Madhvācārya, in his commentary, further emphasizes the distinction between the Lord and the individual souls, highlighting the need for devotion and surrender to achieve liberation. Both Rāmānujācārya and Madhvācārya use this verse to underscore the importance of bhakti (devotion) in realizing one's true relationship with the Divine.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the universal and practical application of Upaniṣadic wisdom. He saw this verse as a call to understand the true nature of the self, beyond the bounds of action and karma. According to Vivekānanda, the realization that one has 'no work to do' in the sense of achieving spiritual liberation through actions, is liberating. It frees the individual from the burden of endless striving and allows for the realization of one's true potential. S. Rādhākrishnan, in his book 'Indian Philosophy,' interprets this verse in the context of contemporary life, emphasizing the need to move beyond the confines of worldly duties and obligations to discover one's true identity. He sees the message of this verse as universal, applicable to all seekers of truth, regardless of their cultural or religious background. Both Vivekānanda and Radhakrishnan use this verse to advocate for a life of simplicity, self-awareness, and spiritual pursuit, as the means to achieving true fulfillment and liberation.

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