na tvahaṃ kāmaye rājā na devarāṣṭrikaḥ । na brāhmaṇo na vaiśyo na śūdro na janapadaḥ ॥
“I do not desire to be a king, nor a minister of the king, nor a brahmin, nor a vaiśya, nor a śūdra, nor a citizen.”
Structure
na - tvahaṃ - kāmaye - rājā - na - devarāṣṭrikaḥ - na - brāhmaṇo - na - vaiśyo - na - śūdro - na - janapadaḥ
na (not) tvahaṃ (I) kāmaye (desire to be) rājā (a king) na (not) devarāṣṭrikaḥ (a minister/offical of the kingdom) na (not) brāhmaṇo (a brahmin) na (not) vaiśyo (a vaisya) na (not) śūdro (a sudra) na (not) janapadaḥ (a countryman/commoner)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| tvahaṃ | tvahaṁ | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | you |
| kāmaye | kāmaye | verb | √kām · laṭ-present · first | I desire |
| rājā | rājā | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | king |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| devarāṣṭrikaḥ | devarāṣṭrikaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | minister |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| brāhmaṇo | brāhmaṇo | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Brahmin |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| vaiśyo | vaiśyo | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Vaishya |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| śūdro | śūdro | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Shudra |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| janapadaḥ | janapadaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | nation |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Pañcatantra resonates with the non-dualistic philosophy of Advaita Vedānta, as it rejects the distinctions and desires associated with various social roles and positions. According to Shankara, the ultimate reality, Brahman, is beyond all such distinctions. In his commentary on the Brahma Sutras (BS 1.1.5), Shankara explains that the Self (ātman) is not bound by the limitations of the worldly order, including social hierarchies. This verse, by negating the desire for roles such as king, minister, brahmin, etc., points towards the realization of one's true nature, which is not defined by external labels but is essentially the brahman-ātman identity. The negation 'na' in the verse is key to understanding the illusory nature of worldly desires and the necessity of transcending them to realize the non-dual Self.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava perspective on this verse would emphasize the devotional aspect and the relationship between the individual soul (jīva) and the Supreme Lord (Īśvara). Rāmānujācārya, in his Sri Bhasya (SB 1.1.1), discusses the importance of recognizing one's true position as a servant of the Lord, transcending worldly ambitions. This verse can be seen as a reflection of that mindset, where the rejection of desires for worldly statuses is an acknowledgment of one's true role as a devotee of the Lord. The verse's negations signify a detachment from worldly pursuits, fostering an environment conducive to devotion and service to Īśvara, thus deepening the jīva-Īśvara relationship. Madhva, in his commentaries, would further emphasize the distinction between the Lord and the individual souls, highlighting the importance of recognizing and honoring this difference in one's spiritual journey.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the universal and practical application of Vedāntic principles. This verse from the Pañcatantra can be seen as an exhortation to look beyond external status and roles, recognizing the inherent equality and unity of all beings. In his 'Complete Works' (Vol. 2, 'Practical Vedanta'), Vivekānanda stresses the need to rise above the petty differences and divisions that bind us, to find our true strength and freedom. Similarly, S. Radhakrishnan, in his 'Indian Philosophy' (Vol. 2), underscores the importance of self-realization and the pursuit of a life beyond the confines of worldly ambitions, highlighting the relevance of this verse to contemporary life. Both thinkers would interpret this verse as a call to self-reflection, encouraging individuals to seek a deeper, more meaningful existence, unencumbered by the trappings of social status or position.