na tvahaṃ kāmaye rājyaṃ na vittāni na vai raṇe
“I do not desire kingdom, nor riches, nor a fight.”
Structure
na - tvahaṃ - kāmaye - rājyaṃ - na - vittāni - na - vai - raṇe
ahaṃ (I) na (not) kāmaye (desire) rājyaṃ (kingdom) na (not) vittāni (wealth) na (not) vai (indeed) raṇe (in battle)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not, no |
| tvahaṃ | tvahaṁ | pronoun | nominative · singular | you |
| kāmaye | kāmaye | verb | √kām · laṭ-present · first | I desire |
| rājyaṃ | rājyaṁ | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | kingdom, sovereignty |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not, no |
| vittāni | vittāni | noun | accusative · plural · neuter | wealth, riches |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not, no |
| vai | vai | indeclinable | — | indeed, truly |
| raṇe | raṇe | noun | locative · singular · masculine | in battle, war |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse highlights the non-dual reading of ultimate reality, emphasizing the rejection of worldly desires as a means to attain liberation. Shankara's commentary on the Brahmasūtra (4.1.1) underscores the idea that detachment from worldly attachments, such as kingdom, riches, and conflicts, is essential for realizing the brahman-ātman identity. The phrase 'na tvahaṃ kāmaye' signifies the negation of the ego, allowing the individual to transcend worldly desires and recognize their true nature as ātman, which is ultimately one with brahman. In the context of this verse, Shankara's reasoning suggests that the renunciation of worldly desires is a necessary step towards self-realization, as it allows the individual to focus on the inner reality, unencumbered by external attachments.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is seen as an expression of devotion and surrender to the divine. Rāmānujācārya's commentary on the Gītā (2.7) emphasizes the idea that the jīva, or individual self, should cultivate a sense of detachment from worldly desires and instead focus on developing a loving relationship with Īśvara, the supreme lord. The verse 'na tvahaṃ kāmaye rājyaṃ na vittāni na vai raṇe' suggests that the devotee should renounce worldly attachments and instead seek refuge in the divine, recognizing that true fulfillment and happiness can only be found in the love and service of Īśvara. This reading underscores the devotional aspect of the verse, highlighting the importance of bhakti, or loving devotion, as a means to attain spiritual liberation.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse offers a universal and practical message for contemporary life, emphasizing the importance of living a simple and detached life. Swami Vivekānanda's lectures on the Bhagavad Gītā (Lecture 5) highlight the idea that true freedom and happiness can only be attained by renouncing worldly desires and cultivating a sense of inner detachment. The phrase 'na tvahaṃ kāmaye' suggests that individuals should strive to transcend their egoistic desires and instead focus on developing a sense of inner fulfillment and purpose. In the context of modern life, this verse encourages individuals to re-evaluate their priorities and values, recognizing that true happiness and fulfillment can only be found by living a simple, compassionate, and meaningful life, unencumbered by the burdens of worldly attachments.