na - tvahaṃ - kāmaye - rājyaṃ - na - ca - mohaṃ - na - vittam - moṣāt - api - hi - muktasya - tad - grahaḥ - paribhūyate

na (not) tvahaṃ (I) kāmaye (desire) rājyaṃ (kingdom)na (not) ca (and) mohaṃ (attachment) na (not) vittam (wealth)moṣāt (from even theft) api (also) hi (for) muktasya (of one who is liberated)tad (that) grahaḥ (acquisition) paribhūyate (is despised)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the non-dual nature of reality, highlighting the futile pursuit of worldly attachments and the liberation that comes from recognizing the ultimate reality, Brahman. Śaṅkarācārya's commentary on the Brahma Sūtras (III.3.1) emphasizes that the self (ātman) is not bound by the limitations of the world but is, in fact, identical with Brahman. This verse points to the impermanence of worldly desires and the humiliation that even a liberated person may face if they re-engage with what they were freed from, stressing the importance of a complete detachment. The ultimate liberation lies in realizing the brahman-ātman identity, where one transcends the duality of the world. Śaṅkara's reasoning, thus, underscores the necessity of a non-dual understanding to achieve true liberation, untouched by the world's ephemeral nature.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition interprets this verse through the lens of the relationship between the individual self (jīva) and the Supreme Lord (Īśvara). Rāmānujācārya, in his Sri Bhashya, emphasizes the concept of prapatti or surrender to the Lord, as the means to true liberation. This verse highlights the jīva's inherent dependence on Īśvara and the futility of seeking fulfillment in worldly attachments. Even liberation, if not rooted in devotion to the Lord, can lead to a form of humiliation or ignorance of one's true nature and purpose. Madhvācārya, with his emphasis on the difference between the individual self and the Supreme, would argue that the recognition of this difference and the surrender to Īśvara's will are essential for achieving true liberation. This perspective underscores the devotional path, where one seeks to understand and fulfill their role in relation to the divine, thereby finding true freedom.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the practical application of Vedantic principles in everyday life. This verse, from a Neo-Vedānta perspective, serves as a reminder of the importance of detachment and the pursuit of higher knowledge. Vivekānanda would argue that true freedom and strength come from within, and that one must not be bound by the desires for wealth, power, or even the concept of liberation itself. The humiliation mentioned in the verse can be seen as a result of becoming entangled again in what one has transcended, emphasizing the need for a constant awareness and living in the present. Radhakrishnan, with his emphasis on the universal and ethical implications of Vedānta, would highlight how this verse points to the human condition, where true fulfillment comes not from external achievements but from the realization of one's true nature. This perspective makes the verse relevant to contemporary life, encouraging individuals to seek a deeper, more meaningful existence beyond superficial attachments.

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