na tvahaṃ kāmaye rājyaṃ nāpi rājyasya kāmanā . atha kāmaye yatkiṃcid raktaṃ jīvitaśeṣataḥ || 104 ||
“I do not desire kingdom, nor do I desire to be desired for kingship; what I do desire is to have some blood left over for my remaining life.”
Structure
na - tvahaṃ - kāmaye - rājyaṃ - nāpi - rājyasya - kāmanā - atha - kāmaye - yatkiṃcit - raktaṃ - jīvitaśeṣataḥ
na (not) tvahaṃ (I) kāmaye (desire) rājyaṃ (kingdom)nāpi (nor) rājyasya (of kingdom) kāmanā (for the desire)atha (but) kāmaye (I desire) yatkiṃcit (whatever) raktaṃ (is attached)jīvitaśeṣataḥ (to the remaining life)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| tvahaṃ | tvahaṃ | pronoun | nominative · singular | I |
| kāmaye | kāmaye | verb | √kām · laṭ-present · first | I desire |
| rājyaṃ | rājyaṃ | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | kingdom |
| nāpi | nāpi | indeclinable | — | nor |
| rājyasya | rājyasya | noun | genitive · singular · neuter | of kingdom |
| kāmanā | kāmanā | noun | ablative · singular · masculine | desire |
| atha | atha | indeclinable | — | then, moreover |
| kāmaye | kāmaye | verb | √kām · laṭ-present · first | I desire |
| yatkiṃcit | yatkiṃcit | pronoun | — | whatever, anything |
| raktaṃ | raktaṃ | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | that which is loved, dear |
| jīvitaśeṣataḥ | jīvitaśeṣataḥ | compound | bahuvrīhi · "jīvitaśeṣaḥ + taḥ" | remaining alive |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the futility of seeking external validation, such as a kingdom, and instead points to the essential nature of the Self. According to Shankara, the desire for a kingdom (rājya) or the desire to be desired for kingship (rājyasya kāmanā) are both rooted in the ego, which veils the true nature of brahman-ātman. The phrase 'yatkiṃcid raktaṃ jīvitaśeṣataḥ' (to have some blood left over for my remaining life) signifies the renunciation of worldly desires and the longing for the preservation of one's essential being, untainted by the ephemeral nature of worldly accomplishments. This resonates with Shankara's commentary on the Taittiriya Upanishad, where he discusses the importance of recognizing the ātman as the ultimate reality, beyond the fleeting nature of worldly desires (Bṛhadāraṇyaka Upanishad Bhāṣya 1.4.10). By negating the desire for external validation, the verse points to the non-dual reality of brahman-ātman, where the individual self (jīva) is ultimately one with the universal Self (brahman).
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In this verse, the speaker's rejection of kingdom and kingship signifies a deeper longing for a meaningful relationship with the divine. According to Rāmānujācārya, the phrase 'na tvahaṃ kāmaye rājyaṃ' (I do not desire kingdom) indicates a recognition of the fleeting nature of worldly power and a desire for a more profound connection with Īśvara. The Vaiṣṇava tradition emphasizes the importance of bhakti (devotion) and prapatti (surrender) in achieving this connection. The speaker's desire for 'yatkiṃcid raktaṃ jīvitaśeṣataḥ' (some blood left over for my remaining life) may be seen as a metaphor for the preservation of one's spiritual vitality, which can be achieved through devotion to the divine. Madhvācārya's commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā (3.30) highlights the importance of recognizing one's limitations and surrendering to the will of Īśvara, which is echoed in this verse's rejection of worldly desires and emphasis on spiritual preservation.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse offers a powerful commentary on the human condition, highlighting the futility of seeking external validation and the importance of cultivating inner strength. According to Swami Vivekānanda, the desire for a kingdom or the desire to be desired for kingship are both manifestations of the ego, which can lead to suffering and discontent (Complete Works, 1.134). The phrase 'yatkiṃcid raktaṃ jīvitaśeṣataḥ' (to have some blood left over for my remaining life) signifies the importance of preserving one's vital energy and directing it towards spiritual growth and self-realization. S. Rādhākrishnan, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā (2.55), emphasizes the importance of vairāgya (detachment) in achieving inner peace and freedom. This verse can be seen as a call to re-evaluate our priorities and cultivate a sense of detachment, directing our energies towards the pursuit of knowledge, self-awareness, and spiritual growth. By doing so, we can transcend the limitations of the ego and achieve a deeper sense of fulfillment and purpose.