na tvahaṁ kāmayiṣye na ca te kāmayiṣye.
“I will not desire you, and you will not desire me.”
Structure
na tvahaṁ kāmayiṣye na ca te kāmayiṣye
ahaṁ (I) tv (not) kāmayiṣye (will desire) na (not) ca (and) te (your) kāmayiṣye (will desire) na (not)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| tvahaṁ | tvahaṁ | compound | dvandva · "tva + aham" | you and I |
| kāmayiṣye | kāmayiṣye | verb | √kāmay · liṅ-optative · first | |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| te | te | pronoun | dative · singular | to you |
| kāmayiṣye | kāmayiṣye | verb | √kāmay · liṅ-optative · first |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, na tvahaṁ kāmayiṣye na ca te kāmayiṣye, underscores the non-dual nature of reality by negating the desire for differentiation between the self and the other. According to Ādi Śaṅkarācārya, such negation (neti neti) is a method to arrive at the ultimate truth, which is the brahman-ātman identity. In his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, Shankara emphasizes that the ignorance of one's true nature leads to desires and attachments. This verse points to the transcendence of such desires, hinting at the liberation that comes with realizing one's true, non-dual essence. The negation of desire here can be seen as a step towards the realization of the absolute, where distinctions like 'I' and 'you' dissolve. By saying 'I will not desire you, and you will not desire me,' the verse metaphorically suggests moving beyond the transactional, dualistic worldview to a unified, Brahman-consciousness.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava interpretation of this verse focuses on the loving relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, emphasizes the concept of prapatti, or total surrender, which involves relinquishing one's desires to the will of the Lord. This verse can be seen as an expression of mutual surrender, where the individual surrenders their desires to the divine, and in return, experiences a lack of desire for worldly attachments. Madhvācārya, from a dualistic perspective, might interpret this verse as an affirmation of the distinction between the soul and God, yet emphasizing the devotion and love that bridges this gap. The lack of desire in this context signifies a pure, selfless love, where the individual seeks only to fulfill the will of the divine, reflecting a deeper, spiritual connection.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often highlighted the universal applicability of Vedāntic principles, including the idea of transcending desires for a more unified existence. This verse, in a modern context, can be seen as advocating for a worldview that moves beyond personal, ego-centric desires. It suggests a path of freedom from the constraints of our desires, which Vivekānanda believed was essential for achieving true human potential. S. Radhakrishnan, in his philosophical works, emphasized the importance of realizing one's true nature as a means to world peace and harmony. This verse, in such a light, serves as a reminder of the need to look beyond individual desires and petty differences, embracing a global, human community based on mutual respect and understanding. It's a call to transcend the mundane and strive for a higher, collective consciousness, where 'I' and 'you' become part of a larger, interconnected whole.