na tvahaṃ kāmaye rājyam na ca rājyasya kāmnā
“I do not desire the kingdom, nor do I have a desire for the kingdom.”
Structure
na tvahaṃ kāmaye rājyam na ca rājyasya kāmnā
na (not) tv (indeed) ahaṃ (I) kāmaye (desire) rājyam (kingdom) na (not) ca (and) kāmnā (desire) rājyasya (of kingdom)
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 |
| rājyam | rājyam | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | kingdom |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| rājyasya | rājyasya | noun | genitive · singular · neuter | of the kingdom |
| kāmnā | kāmnā | noun | ablative · singular · feminine | desire |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse exemplifies the non-dualistic philosophy of Advaita Vedānta, where the individual self (jīva) is ultimately identified with the supreme reality (Brahman). Shankara's commentary on the Brahmasūtra (3.3.43) highlights the idea that true freedom lies in the recognition of one's true nature, beyond the fleeting desires and attachments to worldly things like kingdoms. In this context, the verse 'na tvahaṃ kāmaye rājyam na ca rājyasya kāmnā' underscores the detachment from worldly ambitions, echoing the Upaniṣadic theme of 'neti neti' (not this, not that). The rejection of kingdom and its desires symbolizes the rejection of the ephemeral, leading the seeker towards the realization of the eternal, unchanging Brahman-ātman identity. This reading is in line with Shankara's emphasis on the importance of discerning the permanent from the impermanent, as seen in his Upadeśasāhasrī.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition interprets this verse through the lens of bhakti, or devotion, emphasizing the relationship between the individual soul (jīva) and the Supreme Lord (Īśvara). Rāmānujācārya, in his Śrī Bhāṣya, discusses the concept of prapatti, or complete surrender to God, which includes renouncing desires for worldly power and possessions. This verse can be seen as an expression of such surrender, where the speaker renounces desire for kingdom and its associated power, symbolizing a detachment that is a prerequisite for true devotion. This aligns with the Vaiṣṇava understanding of the jīva's innate dependence on Īśvara and the path of devotion as the means to achieve liberation. The rejection of desires, as expressed in the verse, is a step towards cultivating a pure heart, essential for experiencing divine love and grace.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda and S. Radhakrishnan, key figures in Neo-Vedānta, emphasize the practical application of spiritual principles in everyday life. This verse can be seen as a call to reevaluate priorities and focus on what truly brings fulfillment. In his lectures and writings, Vivekānanda often stressed the importance of renouncing selfish desires and ambitions, not in the sense of escapism, but as a means to discover one's true potential and contribute to the greater good. Similarly, Radhakrishnan, in his philosophical works, highlights the universal relevance of Vedāntic principles, including the idea of transcending mundane attachments. The verse's message of detachment from worldly desires can be applied to contemporary life by fostering a sense of inner peace, reducing craving for material success, and cultivating a broader perspective on life's purpose. This aligns with Vivekānanda's vision of a balanced life that combines spiritual growth with service to humanity and Radhakrishnan's emphasis on the harmony between individual salvation and social welfare.