The Imperishable (Akshara) that Vedic scholars speak of, that ascetics strive for, and for whose sake they practice brahmacharya — this Krishna will explain. This verse points to the ultimate goal that unites scholarship, asceticism, and self-discipline. Shankara identifies the Akshara with attributeless Brahman. Ramanuja sees it as the Lord's eternal, unchanging nature. The bhakti tradition finds that all austerities find their purpose in reaching the beloved. Madhva explains the Akshara as Vishnu's supreme abode, requiring rigorous discipline. Abhinavagupta identifies it as unconditioned consciousness remaining when all identifications dissolve. Vallabhacharya teaches it is Krishna's nature — not an impersonal void but sat-chit-ananda. Tilak extends brahmacharya beyond monasticism to the disciplined channeling of all energies toward the highest purpose. Vivekananda emphasizes that self-mastery is the foundation of all achievement.