na tvahaṃ kāmaye rājyaṃ na ca svargaṃ na mokṣaṃ ca . vivekaśaḥ kṣemyamāne sajjanānāṃ hitaīṣiṇām .
“Not that I desire kingdom, nor heaven, nor liberation; on the contrary, I desire only the well-being of good men who are virtuous and benevolent.”
Structure
na - tvahaṃ - kāmaye - rājyaṃ - na - ca - svargaṃ - na - mokṣaṃ - ca - vivekaśaḥ - kṣemyamāne - sajjanānāṃ - hitaīṣiṇām
ahaṃ (I) na (not) kāmaye (desire) rājyaṃ (kingdom), na (not) ca (and) svargaṃ (heaven), na (not) mokṣaṃ (liberation) ca (and), vivekaśaḥ (of a wise man) kṣemyamāne (when welfare is being considered) sajjanānāṃ (of good people) hita-īṣiṇām (who wish for the good)
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 | desire |
| rājyaṃ | rājyaṃ | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | kingdom |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| svargaṃ | svargaṃ | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | heaven |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| mokṣaṃ | mokṣaṃ | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | liberation |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| vivekaśaḥ | vivekaśaḥ | noun | ablative · singular · masculine | from discernment |
| kṣemyamāne | kṣemyamāne | verb | √kṣam · lāṇa-passive | being wished for |
| sajjanānāṃ | sajjanānāṃ | noun | genitive · plural · masculine | of good people |
| hitaīṣiṇām | hitaīṣiṇām | noun | genitive · plural · masculine | who wish for the good |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the essence of non-duality by negating the pursuit of ephemeral desires such as kingdom, heaven, or liberation, instead emphasizing the welfare of virtuous individuals. Śaṅkarācārya's commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā highlights the importance of recognizing the ultimate reality beyond transient aspirations. In the context of this verse, the desire for the well-being of good men can be seen as a manifestation of the inherent benevolence of the ātman, which, in its pure form, is devoid of distinctions and desires. This points to the brahman-ātman identity, where the individual self, in realizing its true nature, transcends personal desires and identifies with the universal well-being, reflecting the Advaitic notion of liberation as the realization of one's true, unbounded nature.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): This verse can be interpreted through the lens of bhakti, where the desire for the well-being of virtuous individuals is a form of devotion to the Lord. Rāmānujācārya's concept of prapatti, or surrender, involves dedicating one's actions and desires to the service of the Lord and His devotees. In this context, desiring the well-being of good men is a way of serving Īśvara indirectly, as these individuals are considered embodiments of divine virtues. Madhvācārya's Dvaita philosophy also emphasizes the distinction between the jīva and Īśvara, yet the pursuit of the well-being of virtuous individuals can be seen as a jīva's way of fulfilling its duty and thus moving closer to Īśvara, underscoring the devotional relationship between the individual soul and the Supreme.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda often emphasized the practical application of Vedāntic principles in everyday life, and this verse resonates with his teachings on service to humanity as a means to realize one's true self. In his lectures, Vivekānanda stressed the importance of recognizing the divine in every being, and thus, serving humanity is equivalent to serving God. This verse's focus on the well-being of virtuous individuals can be seen as a call to selfless service, where one's actions are guided by a desire for the greater good, rather than personal gain. Similarly, S. Radhakrishnan's philosophical writings highlight the universal relevance of Indian thought, and this verse illustrates the ethical and moral principles that are central to a fulfilling and meaningful life, connecting ancient wisdom with contemporary values of altruism and service.