na tvahaṁ kāmaye rājyaṁ na ca rājyaṁ na ca rājyaṁ na caitat, saṁsiddhyas tvahamīha na na kañcana kāmaye.
“I do not desire the kingdom; nor do I desire gold, and neither do I desire sense objects; I desire only perfection here.”
Structure
na - tvahaṁ - kāmaye - rājyaṁ - na - ca - rājyaṁ - na - ca - rājyaṁ - na - ca - etat - saṁsiddhyas - tu - ahaṁ - īha - na - na - kañcana - kāmaye
na (no) tvahaṁ (I) kāmaye (desire) rājyaṁ (kingdom)na (no) ca (and) rājyaṁ (kingdom) na (no) ca (and) rājyaṁ (kingdom)na (no) ca (and) etat (this) saṁsiddhyas (perfection) tu (indeed) ahaṁ (I) īha (here) na (not)na (no) kañcana (anything) kāmaye (desire)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| tvahaṁ | tvahaṁ | pronoun | nominative · singular | you |
| kāmaye | kāmaye | verb | √kām · laṭ-present · first | I desire |
| rājyaṁ | rājyaṁ | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | kingdom |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| rājyaṁ | rājyaṁ | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | kingdom |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| rājyaṁ | rājyaṁ | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | kingdom |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| etat | etat | pronoun | accusative · singular · neuter | this |
| saṁsiddhyas | saṁsiddhyas | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | perfection |
| tu | tu | indeclinable | — | indeed |
| ahaṁ | ahaṁ | pronoun | nominative · singular | I |
| īha | īha | indeclinable | — | here |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| kañcana | kañcana | indeclinable | — | at all |
| kāmaye | kāmaye | verb | √kām · laṭ-present · first | I desire |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the non-dual nature of reality, where the ultimate goal is not the attainment of material possessions or kingdoms but the realization of one's true Self (Ātman). Shankara's commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā highlights the importance of renouncing worldly desires to achieve spiritual liberation. In his discussion on the concept of 'saṁsiddhi,' or perfection, Shankara emphasizes that it is the state of being where one realizes the identity of Brahman and Ātman. This verse, therefore, points to the abandonment of all desires for external achievements and the focus on the inner quest for Self-realization, leading to the understanding that the ultimate reality is beyond human desires and dualistic distinctions.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava interpretation of this verse emphasizes the devotional path to liberation. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, explains that the rejection of desire for kingdoms and wealth signifies the surrender of the ego and worldly attachments. The phrase 'saṁsiddhyas tvahamīha' is seen as an expression of the desire for spiritual perfection, which, in the Vaiṣṇava tradition, is understood as the attainment of prema-bhakti, or pure love for God. This spiritual perfection is considered the ultimate goal, where the jīva (individual self) experiences union with Īśvara (the Supreme Lord), not in a nondual sense but in a relationship of loving devotion and service, highlighting the personal aspect of the divine.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures, often emphasized the practical application of Vedāntic principles in everyday life. This verse, to him, would symbolize the call to look beyond the mundane and materialistic goals, striving instead for self-perfection and realizing one's inner potential. Vivekānanda's emphasis on service to humanity as a means to achieve spiritual growth resonates with the rejection of selfish desires in this verse. Sarvepalli Rādhākrishnan, echoing this sentiment, underscores the importance of the individual's pursuit of spiritual fulfillment as a universal aspiration, transcending sectarian or cultural boundaries. In contemporary life, this verse could inspire individuals to reevaluate their priorities, seeking a balance between worldly responsibilities and the pursuit of inner perfection, leading to a more fulfilling and meaningful existence.