na tvahaṃ kāmaye rājyaṃ nāpi mokṣaṃ na janmanā । asti mama gṛhe sācivaḥ śaṭho mama śatruḥ ॥
“I do not desire kingdom, nor liberation, nor birth; there is in my house a treacherous minister who is my enemy.”
Structure
na - tvahaṃ - kāmaye - rājyaṃ - nāpi - mokṣaṃ - na - janmanā - asti - mama - gṛhe - sācivaḥ - śaṭho - mama - śatruḥ
na (not) tvahaṃ (I) kāmaye (desire) rājyaṃ (kingdom) nāpi (nor) mokṣaṃ (liberation) na (nor) janmanā (by birth) asti (there is) mama (my) gṛhe (in house) sācivaḥ (minister) śaṭho (wicked) mama (my) śatruḥ (enemy)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| tvahaṃ | tvahaṃ | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | you |
| kāmaye | kāmaye | verb | √kām · laṭ-present · first | I desire |
| rājyaṃ | rājyaṃ | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | kingdom |
| nāpi | nāpi | indeclinable | — | nor |
| mokṣaṃ | mokṣaṃ | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | liberation |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| janmanā | janmanā | noun | ablative · singular · neuter | by birth |
| asti | asti | verb | √as · laṭ-present · third | there is |
| mama | mama | pronoun | genitive · singular · masculine | my |
| gṛhe | gṛhe | noun | locative · singular · masculine | in the house |
| sācivaḥ | sācivaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | minister |
| śaṭho | śaṭho | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | traitor |
| mama | mama | pronoun | genitive · singular · masculine | my |
| śatruḥ | śatruḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | enemy |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Pañcatantra underscores the illusory nature of worldly desires and achievements, aligning with the non-dual philosophy of Advaita Vedanta. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Brahmasūtra (particularly in the section discussing the nature of the self and the world), emphasizes the idea that true liberation (mokṣa) lies not in attaining external things like kingdom or high birth but in realizing one's true self (ātman) as identically one with the ultimate reality (Brahman). The mention of a 'treacherous minister' in one's house can be metaphorically seen as the ego or the mind, which often acts against one's true interests, leading one away from self-realization. This interpretation is in line with Śaṅkara's reasoning on the need to look beyond the ephemeral and illusory nature of worldly life to attain true understanding and peace.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition, with its emphasis on devotion and the personal relationship between the individual self (jīva) and the supreme Lord (Īśvara), offers a distinct interpretation of this verse. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, highlights the importance of recognizing one's true nature as a servant of the Lord, rather than being entangled in desires for kingdom, liberation, or privileged birth. The 'treacherous minister' could represent the influence of Maya, or illusion, which turns the jīva away from its natural devotion to Īśvara. Madhvācārya, with his Dvaita Vedanta, might interpret this verse as underscoring the real distinction between the self and the material world, emphasizing the need for the jīva to recognize its dependence on and separation from Īśvara, thereby focusing on devotion as the means to true fulfillment.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): From a modern perspective, this verse can be seen as a powerful call to introspection and self-awareness. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the importance of looking within and recognizing one's true strength and potential. The 'treacherous minister' can be seen as a symbol for the negative tendencies within us, such as greed, anger, or jealousy, which hinder our progress and happiness. S. Radhakrishnan, in his philosophical works, discusses the universal principles of Vedanta in a contemporary context, suggesting that true freedom and fulfillment come from understanding and realizing one's inner self. This verse, in the context of modern life, encourages individuals to prioritize self-reflection, overcome inner adversaries, and strive for a life of purpose and integrity, aligning with the broader human quest for meaning and liberation.