na tvahaṃ kāmayiṣye na ca me vaśa iti.
“I do not covet and it is not under my control.”
Structure
na - tvahaṃ - kāmayiṣye - na - ca - me - vaśa - iti
na tvahaṃ (I do not) kāmayiṣye (desire) na (and not) ca (also) me (my) vaśa (control) iti (thus)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not, no |
| tvahaṃ | tvahaṁ | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | you |
| kāmayiṣye | kāmayiṣye | verb | √kām · liṅ-optative · first | I may desire |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not, no |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| me | me | pronoun | genitive · singular · masculine | of me, my |
| vaśa | vaśa | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | control, power |
| iti | iti | indeclinable | — | thus, say |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, 'na tvahaṃ kāmayiṣye na ca me vaśa iti,' underscores the non-dual nature of reality, pointing to the identity of the individual self (ātman) with the ultimate reality (brahman). Shankara's commentary on the Brhadaranyaka Upanishad emphasizes the illusion of the ego's control over desires and actions, echoing the sentiment of this verse. The phrase 'na tvahaṃ kāmayiṣye' (I do not covet) suggests a detachment from worldly desires, aligning with the Advaita concept of vairagya (dispassion). Furthermore, 'na ca me vaśa iti' (and it is not under my control) implies the realization that the true Self is beyond the constraints of the ego and its desires, underscoring the brahman-ātman identity. This understanding is pivotal in Advaita Vedanta, as it leads to the liberation from the cycle of birth and death (samsara) by recognizing one's true nature as brahman.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava interpretation of this verse, 'na tvahaṃ kāmayiṣye na ca me vaśa iti,' revolves around the relationship between the individual self (jīva) and the Supreme Lord (Īśvara). Ramanuja's visishtadvaita philosophy emphasizes the real distinction between the jīva and Īśvara, yet also their inseparable relationship. This verse can be seen as an expression of the jīva's recognition of its dependence on Īśvara, acknowledging that true control and desire reside with the Divine. The phrase 'na tvahaṃ kāmayiṣye' reflects the jīva's aspiration to align its desires with the will of Īśvara, while 'na ca me vaśa iti' signifies the humility of the jīva in recognizing its limitations and the omnipotence of Īśvara. This understanding fosters a deep sense of devotion and surrender, central to Vaiṣṇava theology, where the jīva seeks to serve and please Īśvara, leading to the attainment of moksha (liberation).
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): From a modern perspective, this verse, 'na tvahaṃ kāmayiṣye na ca me vaśa iti,' offers profound insights into the human condition and the path to self-realization. Swami Vivekananda, in his lectures on 'The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda,' emphasizes the importance of self-control and the realization of one's true nature beyond the ephemeral ego. This verse can be seen as a call to introspection, encouraging individuals to look beyond their desires and the illusion of control, towards a deeper understanding of their existence. The phrase 'na tvahaṃ kāmayiṣye' encourages detachment from worldly desires, while 'na ca me vaśa iti' prompts the recognition of the limitations of the ego. This understanding is universally applicable, as it speaks to the human quest for meaning and fulfillment. By embracing the principles embedded in this verse, individuals can embark on a journey of self-discovery, leading to a more harmonious and balanced life, where one's actions and desires are guided by a deeper sense of purpose and wisdom, as elucidated by S. Radhakrishnan in 'The Principal Upanishads.'