na tvahaṃ kāmaye rājyaṃ nāpi tvāṃ kāmaye patim
“Neither do I desire the kingdom, nor do I desire you as my husband.”
Structure
na tvahaṃ kāmaye rājyaṃ nāpi tvāṃ kāmaye patim
ahaṃ (I) na (not) kāmaye (desire) rājyaṃ (kingdom) nāpi (nor) ahaṃ (I) tvāṃ (you) kāmaye (desire) patim (husband)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| tvahaṃ | tvahaṁ | pronoun | nominative · singular | you |
| kāmaye | kāmaye | verb | √kām · laṭ-present · first | I desire |
| rājyaṃ | rājyaṁ | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | kingdom |
| nāpi | nāpi | indeclinable | — | nor |
| tvāṃ | tvāṁ | pronoun | accusative · singular | you |
| kāmaye | kāmaye | verb | √kām · laṭ-present · first | I desire |
| patim | patim | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | husband |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): The verse 'na tvahaṃ kāmaye rājyaṃ nāpi tvāṃ kāmaye patim' is pivotal in demonstrating the renunciation of worldly desires, a fundamental aspect of Advaita Vedānta. According to Shankara, the ultimate reality, Brahman, is beyond all duality and worldly attachments. In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 3, Verse 25), Shankara elucidates that the wise should perform actions without attachment, illustrating the concept of 'nishkama karma.' This verse, in its rejection of both kingdom and personal relationship, exemplifies the detachment necessary for the realization of the Ātman-Brahman identity. By negating external desires, the verse points to the internal bliss and unity that characterize the non-dual state, underscoring the path to self-realization through the renunciation of worldly ambitions.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava perspective, particularly through the lens of Rāmānujācārya's Viśiṣṭādvaita, this verse can be seen as a statement of devotion and surrender. The speaker's disinterest in both worldly power ('rājyaṃ') and personal relationships ('patim') signifies a desire to transcend mundane attachments and focus on the divine. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, emphasizes the importance of 'prapatti' or total surrender to God, which includes renouncing one's ego and desires. This verse reflects the spiritual aspiration to move beyond fleeting worldly attractions and seek eternal bliss in the service and love of the divine, embodying the Vaiṣṇava ideal of loving surrender to Īśvara.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda often spoke about the importance of self-realization and the need to look beyond superficial desires for true fulfillment. This verse, in its rejection of external validation through kingdom or marriage, echoes Vivekānanda's teachings on the fleeting nature of worldly achievements. In his lectures and writings, Vivekānanda emphasizes the idea that true strength and happiness come from within, from realizing one's own divine nature. This verse, therefore, serves as a reminder of the universal human quest for meaning and fulfillment that transcends material possessions or societal status. It encourages the individual to seek self-awareness and inner peace, reflecting the practical and universal application of Vedāntic principles as advocated by Swami Vivekānanda and later thinkers like S. Radhakrishnan.