na tvahaṃ kāmaye rājyaṃ nāpi rājyasya kāmana
“I do not desire the kingdom, nor do I have a desire for the kingdom.”
Structure
na - tvahaṃ - kāmaye - rājyaṃ - nāpi - rājyasya - kāmana
ahaṃ (I) na (not) kāmaye (desire) rājyaṃ (kingdom) nāpi (nor) kāmana (for desire) rājyasya (of kingdom)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not, no |
| tvahaṃ | tvahaṁ | pronoun | nominative · singular | you |
| kāmaye | kāmaye | verb | √kām · laṭ-present · first | I desire |
| rājyaṃ | rājyaṁ | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | kingdom, sovereignty |
| nāpi | nāpi | indeclinable | — | nor, and not |
| rājyasya | rājyasya | noun | genitive · singular · neuter | of the kingdom, of sovereignty |
| kāmana | kāmana | verb | √kām · liṅ-optative · third | may he desire |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, 'na tvahaṃ kāmaye rājyaṃ nāpi rājyasya kāmana,' underscores the non-attachment to worldly desires, a central theme in Advaita Vedānta. According to Śaṅkarācārya, the ultimate reality, Brahman, is beyond all desires and dualities. This verse points to the brahman-ātman identity, where the individual self (ātman) is essentially the same as the universal consciousness (Brahman). Śaṅkara's commentary on the Brahma Sūtra (1.1.1) emphasizes the importance of realizing this identity to transcend worldly desires. In the context of this verse, the rejection of kingdom and its desires symbolizes the renunciation of ego and worldly attachments, essential for realizing the true, non-dual nature of reality. This realization is key to achieving liberation (mokṣa) from the cycle of birth and death. By rejecting desires, the verse encourages a path of self-inquiry and detachment, aligning with Śaṅkara's teachings on the path to Self-realization.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava interpretation of 'na tvahaṃ kāmaye rājyaṃ nāpi rājyasya kāmana' focuses on the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his Śrī Bhāṣya, discusses the concept of 'prapatti' or surrender to God, which involves renouncing one's desires for worldly things, including kingdoms. This verse can be seen as an expression of such surrender, where the individual rejects desires for worldly power and instead seeks to serve and please Īśvara. Madhvācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, emphasizes the importance of devotion (bhakti) and the role of grace in achieving liberation. In this context, the verse suggests that true fulfillment and happiness come not from worldly desires but from devotion to and dependence on God, highlighting the Vaiṣṇava emphasis on a personal, loving relationship between the jīva and Īśvara.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda's philosophy, influenced by Advaita Vedānta, emphasizes the practical application of spiritual principles in everyday life. He often spoke about the need to transcend worldly desires to achieve true freedom and happiness. The verse 'na tvahaṃ kāmaye rājyaṃ nāpi rājyasya kāmana' resonates with Vivekānanda's teachings on the dangers of desire and the importance of self-control. In his lecture 'The Powers of the Mind,' Vivekānanda discusses how desires, when not controlled, can lead to bondage. This verse, in the context of modern life, encourages individuals to reflect on their priorities and seek fulfillment beyond material success or power, aligning with Vivekānanda's call for individuals to strive for spiritual growth and service to humanity. Similarly, S. Radhakrishnan, in his philosophical works, highlights the universal relevance of Indian thought, including the importance of detaching from desires to find inner peace and harmony, reflecting a contemporary application of the timeless wisdom found in this ancient verse.