na tvahaṃ kāmayiṣye na ca tvāṃ vaśiṣye

ahaṃ (I) tvāṃ (you) na kāmayiṣye (will not desire) na (and not) ca (also) tvāṃ (you) vaśiṣye (will subdue)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, na tvahaṃ kāmayiṣye na ca tvāṃ vaśiṣye, underscores the non-dual nature of reality by negating the notions of desire and control, which are fundamental to the dualistic experience. According to Śaṅkarācārya, such negations are essential for realizing the brahman-ātman identity, where the individual self (ātman) is understood to be one with the ultimate reality (brahman). In his commentary on the Brahma Sūtras, Śaṅkara explains that the cessation of desire (kāma) and the relinquishment of the urge to dominate or control (vaśiṣye) are crucial steps towards achieving this realization. By saying 'I shall neither covet nor dominate you,' the speaker embodies the detachment and equality that are prerequisites for perceiving the non-dual truth. This verse, therefore, serves as a guideline for spiritual practice, pointing towards the liberation from the bondage of egoistic tendencies and the attainment of the absolute freedom that comes with understanding one's true nature as brahman. Śaṅkara's exposition on similar themes in the Upadeśasāhasrī further illuminates the path to this realization, emphasizing the importance of cultivating a mindset free from possessiveness and dominance.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The verse na tvahaṃ kāmayiṣye na ca tvāṃ vaśiṣye is interpreted within the Vaiṣṇava tradition as an expression of the ideal relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his Śrī Bhāṣya, discusses the importance of surrender (prapatti) and the attitude of servitude towards God, which involves the jīva's recognition of its dependence on and subordination to Īśvara. The statement 'I shall neither covet nor dominate you' can be seen as a declaration of the jīva's resolve to abstain from actions driven by self-interest and a desire to control, instead adopting a stance of devotion and submission. Madhvācārya's Dvaita Vedānta, while differing in its metaphysics, similarly emphasizes the jīva's inherent dependence on Viṣṇu and the need to cultivate a relationship of loving service (bhakti) and obedience, where the jīva seeks not to dominate but to be in harmony with the divine will. This verse thus encapsulates the Vaiṣṇava ethos of selfless love and the pursuit of a divine relationship characterized by mutual affection rather than dominance or exploitation.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): The modern interpretation of the verse na tvahaṃ kāmayiṣye na ca tvāṃ vaśiṣye, as reflected in the teachings of Swami Vivekānanda and S. Rādhākrishnan, focuses on its universal and practical implications for human relationships and personal development. Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the importance of renouncing selfish desires and the ego's tendency to dominate, advocating instead for a life of service, compassion, and equality. He saw in such ancient verses a call to action for the modern world, where individuals could apply the principles of non-attachment and non-domination to foster global understanding and peace. Rādhākrishnan, approaching from a philosophical standpoint, highlighted the verse's relevance to contemporary ethical and political discourse, arguing that true freedom and harmony can only be achieved when individuals and nations relinquish their desires for power and control over others. This verse, therefore, serves as a timeless reminder of the need for self-reflection, empathy, and cooperation, guiding humanity towards a path of mutual respect, peace, and the realization of our shared humanity. As such, it continues to inspire contemporary movements for social justice, environmental sustainability, and personal transformation.

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