na tvahaṃ kāmaye rājyaṃ na ca mohaṃ na vai raṇe
“I do not desire kingdom, nor do I desire delusion, nor do I desire to fight.”
Structure
na - tvahaṃ - kāmaye - rājyaṃ - na - ca - mohaṃ - na - vai - raṇe
ahaṃ (I) na (not) kāmaye (desire) rājyaṃ (kingdom) na (and not) ca (also) mohaṃ (delusion) na (nor) vai (indeed) raṇe (in battle)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| tvahaṃ | tvahaṃ | pronoun | nominative · singular | you |
| kāmaye | kāmaye | verb | √kām · present · first | I desire |
| rājyaṃ | rājyaṃ | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | kingdom |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| mohaṃ | mohaṃ | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | delusion |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| vai | vai | indeclinable | — | indeed |
| raṇe | raṇe | noun | locative · singular · masculine | in battle |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the non-dualistic philosophy of Advaita Vedanta by emphasizing the rejection of worldly desires, including the desire for kingdom, delusion, and conflict. According to Shankara, the ultimate reality, Brahman, is beyond all worldly attachments and aversions. In his Brahmasutra Bhashya, Shankara explains that the individual self (ātman) is not separate from Brahman, and that the realization of this unity is the key to liberation. This verse points to the brahman-ātman identity by highlighting the futility of worldly pursuits and the need to transcend them. Shankara's commentary on the Taittiriya Upanishad also emphasizes the importance of self-inquiry and the rejection of worldly desires, which is in line with the message of this verse. By rejecting the desire for kingdom, delusion, and conflict, the individual can move closer to realizing the ultimate reality of Brahman.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse can be seen as an expression of the devotee's self-surrender to the divine. Rāmānujācārya, in his Sri Bhashya, emphasizes the importance of prapatti, or self-surrender, as a means of achieving liberation. This verse can be seen as an example of prapatti, where the individual rejects all worldly desires and attachments, including the desire for kingdom, delusion, and conflict, and instead surrenders to the will of the divine. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, would interpret this verse as an expression of the jīva's (individual self) inherent dependence on Īśvara (the supreme Lord). The rejection of worldly desires is seen as a necessary step towards recognizing one's dependence on the divine and achieving liberation through devotion and self-surrender. In this sense, the verse highlights the importance of bhakti, or devotion, as a means of achieving spiritual liberation.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the importance of practical application of spiritual principles in everyday life. This verse can be seen as a call to action, urging individuals to re-evaluate their priorities and values. By rejecting the desire for kingdom, delusion, and conflict, individuals can focus on more meaningful and fulfilling pursuits. In his lecture on 'The Message of Vivekānanda', Radhakrishnan emphasizes the importance of selflessness and the rejection of egoistic desires, which is in line with the message of this verse. This verse has universal applications, as it encourages individuals to cultivate a sense of detachment and inner peace, regardless of their cultural or religious background. In contemporary life, this verse can serve as a reminder of the importance of living a simple and meaningful life, free from the distractions and conflicts that often characterize modern society. By embracing the principles of this verse, individuals can cultivate a sense of inner peace and fulfillment, and contribute to creating a more harmonious and peaceful world.