na tvahaṃ kāmaye rājyaṃ na ca mokṣaṃ na punyataḥ
“I do not desire kingdom, nor liberation, nor heaven.”
Structure
na - tvahaṃ - kāmaye - rājyaṃ - na - ca - mokṣaṃ - na - punyataḥ
ahaṃ (I) na (not) kāmaye (desire) rājyaṃ (kingdom) na (not) ca (and) mokṣaṃ (liberation) na (not) punyataḥ (from doing pious deeds)
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 |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| mokṣaṃ | mokṣaṁ | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | liberation |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| punyataḥ | punyataḥ | indeclinable | — | from virtue/righteousness |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Pañcatantra underscores the non-dual perspective by negating the desire for phenomenal attainments such as kingdom, liberation, or heaven. Shankara's commentary on the Brahma Sutras, particularly his exposition on Brahman as the ultimate reality beyond human desires, aligns with this verse's intent. The phrase 'na tvahaṃ kāmaye' (I do not desire) signifies a turning away from worldly and otherworldly aspirations, pointing towards the understanding that true fulfillment lies in recognizing the identity of the individual self (ātman) with the universal self (Brahman). This recognition is the essence of Advaita Vedānta, where the distinctions between the desirer, the desired, and the act of desiring are ultimately transcended, revealing the non-dual nature of reality. In the context of this verse, it implies that the seeker's focus should not be on external achievements but on the realization of the Self, beyond the bounds of desire and attainment.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition interprets this verse through the lens of devotion and the relationship between the individual soul (jīva) and the Supreme Lord (Īśvara). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, emphasizes the importance of bhakti (devotion) as the means to transcend worldly desires. This verse can be seen as a expression of detachment from worldly and heavenly pleasures, not out of disdain, but out of a deeper longing for union with the divine. The denial of desire for 'rājyaṃ' (kingdom), 'mokṣaṃ' (liberation), and 'punyataḥ' (heaven) suggests a renunciation of ego-centric aspirations, paving the way for a selfless love and surrender to God. In this context, the verse encourages the devotee to seek not personal gain or liberation but to dedicate themselves to the service and love of the Lord, recognizing that true joy and fulfillment come from this relationship alone.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse resonates with the modern interpretation of Vedānta as espoused by Swami Vivekānanda and S. Radhakrishnan, emphasizing the universal and practical implications of spiritual truths. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often stressed the need to look beyond personal ambitions and worldly successes to find true meaning and purpose. The rejection of desires for kingdom, liberation, and heaven in this verse can be seen as a call to re-evaluate one's priorities in life, focusing on the realization of one's inner potential and the service to humanity. This aligns with Vivekānanda's vision of a practical Vedānta that inspires individuals to strive for self-realization and, through that, to contribute to the betterment of society. In contemporary life, this verse serves as a reminder of the importance of cultivating a sense of detachment and inner fulfillment, allowing individuals to navigate life's challenges with equanimity and purpose, and to find happiness and peace that are not contingent upon external circumstances.