O mighty-armed Arjuna, this is the inferior Prakriti; know it as distinct from My higher Prakriti, the very life-element, by which this world is upheld.

Swami Sivananda

O mighty-armed one, this is the inferior Prakrti. Know the other Prakrti of Mine, which is however higher than this, which has taken the form of individual souls, and by which this world is upheld.

Swami Gambirananda

Follows the commentary of Shankara (Advaita).

This is My lower Prakṛti. But, O mighty-armed one, know that My higher nature is another. It is the life-principle (Jīva-bhūta), by which this universe is sustained.

Swami Adidevananda

Follows the commentary of Ramanuja (Vishishtadvaita).

This is My lower nature. My superior nature, which has become the individual Soul and by which this world is maintained, is not different from this. O mighty-armed Arjuna, you must know this.

Dr. S. Sankaranarayan

Follows the commentary of Abhinavagupta (Kashmir Shaivism).

This is My inferior nature; however, O valiant one, know that distinct from this is My superior nature, which is the very life that sustains the universe.

Shri Purohit Swami

पृथ्वी, जल, तेज, वायु, आकाश -- ये पञ्चमहाभूत और मन, बुद्धि तथा अहंकार -- यह आठ प्रकारके भेदोंवाली मेरी अपरा प्रकृति है। हे महाबाहो ! इस 'अपरा' प्रकृतिसे भिन्न मेरी जीवरूपा बनी हुुई मेरी 'परा' प्रकृतिको जान, जिसके द्वारा यह जगत् धारण किया जाता है।

Swami Ramsukhdas

हे महाबाहो ! यह अपरा प्रकृति है। इससे भिन्न मेरी जीवरूपी पराप्रकृति को जानो, जिससे यह जगत् धारण किया जाता है।

Swami Tejomayananda