na tvahaṃ kāmaye rājyaṃ na ca mohaṃ na vittam । atha yadyaccha māṃ prāpyate tena tuṣye
“I do not desire kingdom, nor do I desire wealth or worldly delusion; I am satisfied with what comes to me.”
Structure
na - tvahaṃ - kāmaye - rājyaṃ - na - ca - mohaṃ - na - vittam - atha - yad - accha - māṃ - prāpyate - tena - tuṣye
na (not) tvahaṃ (I) kāmaye (desire) rājyaṃ (kingdom)na (not) ca (and) mohaṃ (attachment) na (not) vittam (wealth)atha (if) yad (what) accha (happens) māṃ (to me) prāpyate (comes) tena (by that) tuṣye (I am satisfied)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not, no |
| 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, no |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| mohaṃ | mohaṃ | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | delusion |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not, no |
| vittam | vittam | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | wealth |
| atha | atha | indeclinable | — | then, if |
| yad | yad | pronoun | nominative | what |
| accha | accha | indeclinable | — | also |
| māṃ | māṃ | pronoun | accusative · singular | me |
| prāpyate | prāpyate | verb | √prāp · laṭ-present · third | is obtained |
| tena | tena | pronoun | instrumental · singular | by that |
| tuṣye | tuṣye | verb | √tuṣ · liṅ-optative · first | I may be pleased |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the non-dual essence of reality, as it relinquishes the trifold desires for kingdom, wealth, and worldly delusion. In his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, Shankara emphasizes the importance of detachment from worldly objects, which is reflected in this verse. The phrase 'I am satisfied with what comes to me' signifies the acceptance of one's natural state, untainted by desires and aversions. This attitude of acceptance is a stepping stone towards realizing the identity of the individual self (ātman) with the ultimate reality (brahman). Shankara's reasoning in the Upadeśasāhasrī, where he discusses the concept of 'tṛṣṇā' (desire), sheds light on this verse, highlighting how desirelessness (vairāgya) is essential for Self-realization. By letting go of desires, one can experience the bliss of one's true nature, which is the ultimate goal of Advaita Vedānta.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): This verse can be seen as an expression of the devotee's self-surrender to the Lord, where one renounces all worldly desires and accepts whatever comes from the divine will. Rāmānujācārya, in his Śrī Bhāṣya, comments on the Bhagavad Gītā's concept of 'prapatti' (self-surrender), which is echoed in this verse. The jīva's (individual self) desires and attachments are obstacles to realizing its true relationship with Īśvara (the Lord). By renouncing desires, the devotee opens themselves to receive the Lord's grace, exemplifying the concept of 'sadbhāva' (good nature) in Vaiṣṇava tradition. Madhvācārya, in his Anuvyākhyāna, also discusses the importance of self-surrender and the role of divine will in shaping the jīva's experiences, aligning with the idea that one should accept what comes to them, trusting in the Lord's benevolence.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse has profound implications for contemporary life, emphasizing the importance of living in the present and being content with one's circumstances. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on 'Practical Vedānta', highlights the need to cultivate a mindset that accepts life as it is, without resistance or attachment. This verse reflects that attitude, where one is satisfied with what comes to them, free from the burdens of desire and expectation. Rādhākrishnan, in his writings, also underscores the universal relevance of this approach, noting that true freedom lies not in the fulfillment of desires but in rising above them. By embracing this verse's message, individuals can move towards a more authentic, peaceful, and fulfilling existence, unshackled by the relentless pursuit of external validation and material possessions.