Na tvahaṃ kāmaye rājyaṃ na ca rājyena kāmaye . Kāmaye susvāgato'smi yathārhaṃ tathāpi vā .
“I do not desire kingdom, nor does kingdom desire me; I only desire to be welcomed, as is my worth, or even so.”
Structure
Na tvahaṃ kāmaye rājyaṃ na ca rājyena kāmaye Kāmaye susvāgato'smi yathārhaṃ tathāpi vā
Aham (I) na (not) kāmaye (desire) rājyam (kingdom)na (and not) ca (also) kāmaye (desire) rājyena (with kingdom)Aham (I) kāmaye (wish) susvāgato (to be welcomed) asmi (I am)yathā (as) arhaṃ (worthy) tathā (thus) api (also) vā (or)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Na | Na | indeclinable | — | not |
| tvahaṃ | tvahaṃ | pronoun | nominative · singular | I, indeed |
| kāmaye | kāmaye | verb | √kā · laṭ-present · first | I desire |
| rājyaṃ | rājyaṃ | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | kingdom |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| rājyena | rājyena | noun | instrumental · singular · neuter | with kingdom |
| kāmaye | kāmaye | verb | √kā · laṭ-present · first | I desire |
| susvāgato'smi | susvāgato'smi | compound | karmadhāraya · "su-svāgato'smi" | I am warmly welcomed |
| yathārhaṃ | yathārhaṃ | indeclinable | — | as is worthy |
| tathāpi | tathāpi | indeclinable | — | even so |
| vā | vā | indeclinable | — | or |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the non-dual nature of reality. Shankara, in his commentary on the Brahmasutras, emphasizes that the ultimate goal is not to attain power or wealth, such as a kingdom, but to realize one's true nature as brahman. The phrase 'na tvahaṃ kāmaye rājyaṃ' reinforces the idea that the individual self (jiva) is not separate from the ultimate reality (brahman) and therefore does not desire external things like kingdoms. The yearning for a warm welcome, as expressed in 'kāmaye susvāgato'smi', points towards the inherent longing of the jiva to reunite with its true nature, which is identical to brahman. This reunion is not based on external validation but on the recognition of one's inherent worth ('yathārhaṃ'). Thus, the verse supports the non-dualistic philosophy of Advaita Vedanta, where the distinction between the self and the ultimate reality is dissolved.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): From a Vaiṣṇava perspective, this verse reflects the devotee's relationship with the Lord (Īśvara). The desire for a kingdom or any material possession is seen as fleeting and unfulfilling. Rāmānujācārya, in his interpretation of the Bhagavad Gita, highlights the importance of surrendering one's desires and ego to the will of God. The phrase 'na tvahaṃ kāmaye rājyaṃ na ca rājyena kāmaye' can be seen as an expression of detachment from worldly desires, a prerequisite for true devotion. The longing for a warm welcome ('kāmaye susvāgato'smi') symbolizes the devotee's desire for God's grace and acceptance, which is the ultimate goal. This verse, therefore, supports the Vaiṣṇava emphasis on bhakti (devotion) as the path to realizing one's true nature and relationship with the divine.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda often emphasized the importance of self-realization and the rejection of external validation for one's worth. This verse, with its rejection of worldly kingdoms and desire for a simple, genuine welcome, resonates with Vivekānanda's teachings on the importance of living a simple, sincere life. In his lectures, Vivekānanda stressed that true strength and fulfillment come from within, not from external possessions or positions. The phrase 'kāmaye susvāgato'smi yathārhaṃ tathāpi vā' suggests a desire for authenticity and self-worth that is not dependent on external achievements but on recognizing one's inherent value. This universal message of seeking inner validation and living a life of authenticity and simplicity is highly relevant in contemporary life, where individuals often struggle with issues of self-worth, validation, and the pursuit of meaningful lives.