na tvahaṃ kāmayiṣye na ca pāpman gamīṣye na me garajiṣyati kiñcid asti yena-haṃ na hṛṣye
“I shall not covet, I shall not commit a sin, and there is nothing which can make me rejoice.”
Structure
na - tvahaM - kAmayiSye - na - ca - pApman - gAmISye - na - me - garajiSyati - kiJcid - asti - yena - ahaM - na - hRzye
ahaM (I) na (not) kAmayiSye (will desire) na (not) ca (and) pApman (sin) gAmISye (will go) na (not) me (to me) garajiSyati (is necessary) kiJcid (anything) asti (exists) yena (by which) ahaM (I) na (not) hRzye (rejoice)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not, no |
| tvahaM | tvahaṁ | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | you |
| kAmayiSye | kāmayiṣye | verb | √kām · liṅ-optative · first | I may desire |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not, no |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| pApman | pāpman | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | sin |
| gAmISye | gamiṣye | verb | √gam · liṅ-optative · first | I may go |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not, no |
| me | me | pronoun | dative · singular · masculine | to me |
| garajiSyati | garajiṣyati | verb | √garaj · laṭ-future · third | will be angry |
| kiJcid | kiñcid | indeclinable | — | anything, something |
| asti | asti | verb | √as · laṭ-present · third | is |
| yena | yena | pronoun | instrumental · singular · masculine | by which |
| ahaM | ahaṁ | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | I |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not, no |
| hRzye | hṛṣye | verb | √hṛṣ · liṅ-optative · first | I may be pleased |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse embodies the essence of non-dualism, where the individual self (jīva) is urged to transcend desires and sinful actions, ultimately realizing the identity with Brahman. Shankara's commentary on the Brahma Sutras emphasizes the importance of detachment from worldly desires, as echoed in this verse. The phrase 'na tvahaṃ kāmayiṣye' signifies the renunciation of personal desires, aligning with Shankara's notion of 'vairāgya' (detachment). The statement 'na hṛṣye' (I shall not rejoice) points to the futility of seeking happiness in ephemeral worldly pleasures, instead, directing the seeker towards the eternal bliss of Brahman. This verse, in essence, underscores the Advaita concept of 'brahman-ātman' identity, where the individual self, freed from desires and sins, recognizes its true nature as one with the ultimate reality.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): This verse is interpreted within the Vaiṣṇava tradition as a call to devotion and self-surrender. Ramanuja's concept of 'prapatti' (self-surrender) is reflective in the lines 'na ca pāpman gamīṣye' (I shall not commit a sin), indicating the devotee's resolve to avoid sinful actions and seek refuge in the divine. The phrase 'na me garajiṣyati kiñcid asti yena-haṃ na hṛṣye' suggests that true joy is not found in worldly possessions or desires but in the love and grace of Īśvara. Madhva, on the other hand, might view this verse as an expression of the jīva's inherent dependence on Īśvara, emphasizing the need for devotion and service to the Lord. Both Ramanuja and Madhva would see this verse as guiding the devotee towards a life of devotion, detachment from worldly desires, and ultimate union with the divine.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse holds profound significance in contemporary life, serving as a guideline for achieving inner peace and harmony. Swami Vivekananda, in his lectures, often emphasized the importance of self-control and the dangers of unregulated desires. The phrase 'na tvahaṃ kāmayiṣye' resonates with Vivekananda's teachings on the need to tame one's desires and direct the mind towards higher, spiritual goals. S. Radhakrishnan, in his philosophical writings, highlighted the universal applicability of such verses, advocating for a life of simplicity, detachment, and service. This verse, in the context of modern life, encourages individuals to reevaluate their priorities, seeking happiness not in material possessions or fleeting pleasures but in the cultivation of a peaceful, compassionate, and spiritually awakened self. It underscores the relevance of ancient wisdom in addressing the complexities and challenges of the modern world.