na tvahaṁ kāmaye rājyaṁ na vittaṁ nāpi bhogān
“I do not desire kingdom, nor wealth, nor enjoyments.”
Structure
na - tvahaṁ - kāmaye - rājyaṁ - na - vittaṁ - nāpi - bhogān
ahaṁ (I) na (not) kāmaye (desire) rājyaṁ (kingdom) na (not) vittaṁ (wealth) nāpi (nor) bhogān (pleasures)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not, no |
| tvahaṁ | tvahaṁ | compound | dvandva · "tva + ahaṁ" | you and I |
| kāmaye | kāmaye | verb | √kām · laṭ-present · first | |
| rājyaṁ | rājyaṁ | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | kingdom, sovereignty |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not, no |
| vittam் | vittam் | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | wealth, riches |
| nāpi | nāpi | indeclinable | — | nor, not even |
| bhogān | bhogān | noun | accusative · plural · masculine | pleasures, enjoyments |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): The verse 'na tvahaṁ kāmaye rājyaṁ na vittaṁ nāpi bhogān' underscores the fundamental non-dual (Advaita) perspective that true fulfillment and freedom lie beyond the ephemeral realm of worldly desires. Shankara's commentary on the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad (4.4.6) emphasizes the impermanence of all worldly attachments, which aligns with the sentiment of this verse. By negating desire for kingdom, wealth, and enjoyments, the verse points to the ultimate reality of Brahman-ātman identity. This rejection of worldly desires is a crucial step in the pursuit of Self-knowledge (ātma-jñāna), leading to the realization that the true Self (ātman) is untouched by the fleeting nature of worldly possessions and experiences. In essence, this verse invites the seeker to redirect their focus from the external, transient world to the internal, eternal essence of their being.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava perspective, the verse 'na tvahaṁ kāmaye rājyaṁ na vittaṁ nāpi bhogān' reflects the devotee's detachment from worldly desires, mirroring the Bhagavad Gita's (12.13-14) description of a devotee who neither rejoices nor hates, and is detached from the fruits of their actions. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Gita, emphasizes the importance of cultivating such detachment as a means to devote oneself fully to the service of Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). This detachment is not an end in itself but a means to deepen one's devotion and understand the intricate relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara. The ultimate goal is not the negation of desires but their redirection towards the Supreme, recognizing that true satisfaction and fulfillment can only be achieved through loving service and devotion to God.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekananda's emphasis on practical Vedanta highlights the universal applicability of the verse 'na tvahaṁ kāmaye rājyaṁ na vittaṁ nāpi bhogān'. In his lecture 'The Ideal of a Universal Religion', Vivekananda advocates for a life of service and inner strength, detached from the allurements of the world. This verse can be seen as a call to introspection, encouraging individuals to reevaluate their priorities and seek fulfillment beyond materialistic pursuits. S. Radhakrishnan, in his writings, stresses the importance of a balanced life where individuals cultivate both inner detachment and outer engagement. This verse thus serves as a reminder of the importance of simplicity, self-reflection, and the pursuit of meaningful, inner fulfillment in contemporary life, encouraging individuals to align their aspirations with a deeper sense of purpose and contribution to the world.