na tvahaṁ kāmaye rājā na ca devarir ṛṣyāmi
“I do not desire to be a king and I do not envy a god.”
Structure
na - tvahaṁ - kāmaye - rājā - na - ca - devarir - ṛṣyāmi
ahaṁ (I) kāmaye (desire) rājā (to be a king) na (not) devarir (a god) ca (and) ṛṣyāmi (I become jealous) na (not)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| tvahaṁ | tvahaṁ | compound | dvandva · "tva + aham" | you and I |
| kāmaye | kāmaye | verb | √kām · laṭ-present · first | I desire |
| rājā | rājā | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | king |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| devarir | devarir | noun | nominative · plural · masculine | gods |
| ṛṣyāmi | ṛṣyāmi | verb | √ṛṣ · laṭ-present · first | I envy |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the non-dual nature of reality, as it negates the desire for external attainments such as kingship or divinity, which are mere manifestations of the unreal, ephemeral world. Shankara's commentary on the Brahmasutras (1.1.1) emphasizes that the ultimate reality, Brahman, is beyond all distinctions and desires. In this context, the verse 'na tvahaṁ kāmaye rājā na ca devarir ṛṣyāmi' illustrates the renunciation of worldly desires, pointing towards the realization of the identity of the individual self (ātman) with the ultimate reality (Brahman). Shankara's reasoning in his Upadesasahasri (A Thousand Teachings) also supports this interpretation, where he advocates for the rejection of worldly aspirations to attain the knowledge of the self. By rejecting the desire for kingship or divinity, the individual embarks on the path of self-discovery, ultimately leading to the understanding that the self is not separate from Brahman.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition interprets this verse as emphasizing the devotee's detachment from worldly desires and their focus on the divine. Ramanuja's commentary on the Bhagavad Gita (13.8-12) highlights the importance of cultivating detachment from worldly pleasures and focusing on the love for God. In this context, the verse 'na tvahaṁ kāmaye rājā na ca devarir ṛṣyāmi' illustrates the devotee's lack of desire for worldly power or divine status, instead yearning for a deeper connection with the divine. Madhva, in his Anuvyakhyana, also discusses the concept of 'anyabhilashita' or the rejection of all desires other than the desire for God, which aligns with the sentiment of this verse. The Vaiṣṇava tradition sees this verse as a statement of the devotee's single-minded dedication to the divine, renouncing all other aspirations.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse has a profound universal and practical application in contemporary life. Swami Vivekananda, in his lectures on 'The Powers of the Mind', emphasizes the importance of renouncing worldly desires to attain true freedom. The verse 'na tvahaṁ kāmaye rājā na ca devarir ṛṣyāmi' serves as a reminder that true fulfillment lies not in external achievements but in the realization of one's inner potential. Radhakrishnan, in his book 'The Principal Upanishads', highlights the universal message of the Upanishads, including the concept of 'vairagya' or detachment, which is reflected in this verse. In modern times, this verse can be seen as a call to re-evaluate our priorities and focus on personal growth, self-awareness, and inner peace, rather than getting entangled in the pursuit of external power or status. By applying the wisdom of this verse, individuals can cultivate a sense of inner fulfillment and contribute to creating a more harmonious and balanced society.