na tvahaṃ kāmaye rājyaṃ nāpi mokṣaṃ na puṇyāni
“I do not desire kingdom, nor liberation, nor virtue.”
Structure
na - tvahaṃ - kāmaye - rājyaṃ - nāpi - mokṣaṃ - na - puṇyāni
ahaṃ (I) na (not) kāmaye (desire) rājyaṃ (kingdom) nāpi (nor) mokṣaṃ (liberation) na (nor) puṇyāni (merit)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| tvahaṃ | tvahaṃ | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | you |
| kāmaye | kāmaye | verb | √kām · laṭ-present · first | I desire |
| rājyaṃ | rājyaṃ | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | kingdom |
| nāpi | nāpi | indeclinable | — | nor |
| mokṣaṃ | mokṣaṃ | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | liberation |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| puṇyāni | puṇyāni | noun | accusative · plural · neuter | meritorious deeds |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse is pivotal in understanding the non-dual nature of reality as it highlights the rejection of worldly desires, including the desire for liberation. Shankara, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, emphasizes the importance of renouncing all desires, including the desire for moksha, to realize the ultimate truth of Brahman-ātman identity. The phrase 'na tvahaṃ kāmaye' signifies the negation of the ego, which is a fundamental step towards achieving self-realization. By negating the desire for kingdom, liberation, and virtue, the individual self (jiva) is able to transcend the limitations of the empirical world and realize its true nature as Brahman. This verse, in the context of the Pañcatantra, serves as a reminder that true freedom lies not in the attainment of worldly goals but in the realization of one's true identity as the ultimate reality, unencumbered by desires or attachments.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition interprets this verse through the lens of devotional service (bhakti) and the relationship between the individual self (jiva) and the Supreme Lord (Īśvara). Rāmānujācārya, in his Śrī Bhāṣya, emphasizes that the rejection of desires for kingdom, liberation, and virtue is a manifestation of self-surrender (prapatti) to the will of the Lord. The phrase 'na tvahaṃ kāmaye' indicates the jiva's willingness to renounce its own desires and surrender to the divine will, recognizing that true fulfillment and liberation can only be achieved through devotion to Īśvara. This verse underscores the importance of cultivating a sense of dependence on the Lord, recognizing that all achievements, including liberation, are gifts of His grace. In this context, the verse serves as a call to devotees to focus on their relationship with the Lord, rather than pursuing worldly or spiritual achievements for their own sake.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse offers profound insights into the human condition and the nature of fulfillment. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Bhagavad Gita, highlights the importance of transcending desires and attachments to achieve true freedom and happiness. The rejection of desires for kingdom, liberation, and virtue, as expressed in the phrase 'na tvahaṃ kāmaye', signifies a profound shift in perspective, from a focus on external achievements to an emphasis on inner growth and self-realization. This verse serves as a reminder that true fulfillment is not found in the external world but in the cultivation of inner peace, compassion, and wisdom. In contemporary life, this verse can be seen as a call to re-evaluate our priorities and values, recognizing that the relentless pursuit of external goals and desires can lead to disillusionment and dissatisfaction. By embracing a more nuanced and introspective approach to life, we can discover a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment, unencumbered by the limitations of our desires and attachments.