na tvahaṃ kāmaye rājyaṃ na ca rājyasya kāmanā. atha kāmaye yatkiṃcidviṣṇustvayi dattavān
“I do not desire the kingdom, nor do I desire to desire the kingdom; I only desire that much which Lord Viṣṇu has bestowed upon you.”
Structure
na - tvahaṃ - kāmaye - rājyaṃ - na - ca - rājyasya - kāmanā - atha - kāmaye - yatkiṃcit - viṣṇuḥ - tvayi - dattavān
na (not) tvahaṃ (I) kāmaye (desire) rājyaṃ (kingdom)na (not) ca (and) rājyasya (of kingdom) kāmanā (for the desire)atha (then) kāmaye (I desire) yatkiṃcit (whatever) viṣṇuḥ (Lord Viṣṇu) tvayi (to you) dattavān (has given)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| tvahaṃ | tvahaṃ | pronoun | nominative · singular | you |
| kāmaye | kāmaye | verb | √kām · laṭ-present · first | I desire |
| rājyaṃ | rājyaṃ | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | kingdom |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| rājyasya | rājyasya | noun | genitive · singular · neuter | of the kingdom |
| kāmanā | kāmanā | noun | ablative · singular · masculine | out of desire |
| atha | atha | indeclinable | — | then |
| kāmaye | kāmaye | verb | √kām · laṭ-present · first | I desire |
| yatkiṃcit | yatkiṃcit | compound | dvandva · "yatkiṃ ca cit" | whatever |
| viṣṇuḥ | viṣṇuḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | Viṣṇu |
| tvayi | tvayi | pronoun | locative · singular | in you |
| dattavān | dattavān | verb | √dā · liṅ-optative · third | may have given |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse illustrates the non-dualistic philosophy of Advaita Vedānta, where the ultimate reality, Brahman, is beyond human desires and dualities. According to Śaṅkarācārya, the statement 'na tvahaṃ kāmaye rājyaṃ' indicates the renunciation of worldly desires, which is a preliminary step towards realizing the ultimate truth. The phrase 'I only desire that much which Lord Viṣṇu has bestowed upon you' suggests that the individual self (ātman) is not separate from the universal self (Brahman), and true fulfillment comes from recognizing this unity. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, emphasizes the importance of detachment from worldly desires and the recognition of the ātman-Brahman identity, which is in line with the spirit of this verse. By citing the example of Lord Viṣṇu, the verse points to the ultimate reality that transcends human desires and dualities, thus underscoring the non-dualistic reading of the verse.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya): This verse highlights the devotional aspect of the Vaiṣṇava tradition, where the devotee's desire is not for worldly power or wealth but for the blessings of the Lord. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, emphasizes the importance of prapatti, or self-surrender, to the Lord. The statement 'na tvahaṃ kāmaye rājyaṃ' indicates the devotee's rejection of worldly desires and their acceptance of the Lord's will. The phrase 'I only desire that much which Lord Viṣṇu has bestowed upon you' suggests the devotee's complete dependence on the Lord's mercy and their acceptance of whatever the Lord ordains. This verse illustrates the Vaiṣṇava concept of śaranāgati, or taking refuge in the Lord, where the devotee surrenders their desires and ego to the Lord, seeking only His blessings and grace. Madhvācārya, in his commentary on the Mahābhārata, also emphasizes the importance of devotion to Lord Viṣṇu and the rejection of worldly desires, thus highlighting the verse's significance in the Vaiṣṇava tradition.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse has a profound universal and practical application in contemporary life. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Bhagavad Gītā, emphasizes the importance of selfless action and the rejection of worldly desires. The statement 'na tvahaṃ kāmaye rājyaṃ' can be seen as a call to individuals to renounce their egoistic desires and work selflessly for the greater good. The phrase 'I only desire that much which Lord Viṣṇu has bestowed upon you' suggests a sense of contentment and acceptance of one's circumstances, which is a key aspect of spiritual growth. S. Rādhākrishnan, in his writings on the Upaniṣads, emphasizes the importance of recognizing the universal self that transcends individual desires and dualities. This verse can be seen as a reminder to individuals to cultivate a sense of inner peace and contentment, and to recognize their place in the larger scheme of things, thus underscoring the verse's relevance to contemporary life and its universal appeal.