na tvahaṃ kāmaye rājyaṃ na ca mohaṃ na vittasañcayam । na putradārādikṛtaṃ na vidyā na ca pāṇḍityam ।
“I do not desire a kingdom, nor do I desire wealth, nor do I desire a family with sons and a wife, nor learning nor scholarship.”
Structure
na - tvahaṃ - kāmaye - rājyaṃ - na - ca - mohaṃ - na - vittasañcayam - na - putra - dārādikṛtaṃ - na - vidyā - na - ca - pāṇḍityam
Ahaṃ (I) na (not) kāmaye (desire) rājyaṃ (kingdom), na (not) ca (and) mohaṃ (attachment), na (not) vittasañcayam (wealth hoarding), na (not) putra (son) dārā (wife) ādi (etc.) kṛtaṃ (related to), na (not) vidyā (knowledge), na (not) ca (and) pāṇḍityam (scholarship)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not, negation |
| tvahaṃ | tvahaṁ | compound | dvandva · "tva + ahaṁ" | you and I, I and you (emphatic) |
| kāmaye | kāmaye | verb | √kām · laṭ-present · first | I desire |
| rājyaṃ | rājyaṁ | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | kingdom, sovereignty |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not, negation |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| mohaṃ | mohaṁ | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | delusion, infatuation |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not, negation |
| vittasañcayam | vittasañcayaṁ | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | wealth, riches |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not, negation |
| putra | putra | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | son |
| dārādikṛtaṃ | dārādikṛtaṁ | compound | tatpuruṣa · "dārādi-kṛtaṁ" | created by one's wife and children |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not, negation |
| vidyā | vidyā | noun | nominative · singular · feminine | knowledge, learning |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not, negation |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| pāṇḍityam | pāṇḍityam | noun | nominative · singular · neuter | scholarship, erudition |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse highlights the non-dual nature of reality by stating what the seeker does not desire, thus emphasizing the importance of detachment. According to Shankara, the ultimate reality, Brahman, is not something to be acquired or obtained through worldly means such as wealth, family, or even knowledge. In his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, Shankara explains that the knowledge of Brahman is not a matter of acquiring something new but rather recognizing what is already present. This verse points to the brahman-ātman identity, where the individual self (ātman) is ultimately one with the universal reality (Brahman). By renouncing desires for worldly possessions and relationships, the individual can realize this identity and attain liberation. As Shankara notes in his Upadesasahasri, the understanding of this identity leads to the cessation of all desires, as the individual recognizes that their true nature is already complete and perfect.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition interprets this verse as an expression of devotion and surrender to the ultimate reality, Īśvara. Rāmānujācārya, in his Śrī Bhāṣya, emphasizes the importance of bhakti, or devotion, as the means to attain liberation. This verse highlights the futility of worldly attachments and the importance of redirecting one's desires towards Īśvara. The relationship between jīva (the individual self) and Īśvara is central to Vaiṣṇava thought, and this verse illustrates the jīva's inherent longing for connection with the divine. By renouncing worldly desires, the individual can cultivate a deeper devotion to Īśvara, ultimately leading to liberation. Madhvācārya, in his Anuvyākhyāna, further emphasizes the role of grace and the importance of recognizing one's dependence on Īśvara, illustrating the verse's significance in the context of Vaiṣṇava soteriology.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse offers a powerful message for contemporary life, emphasizing the importance of living a simple and meaningful existence. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Upaniṣads, highlights the universal relevance of this verse, noting that the pursuit of wealth, power, and knowledge can lead to fragmentation and disconnection. In contrast, a life of simplicity, humility, and self-awareness can lead to a deeper sense of fulfillment and connection to oneself and others. As Rādhākrishnan notes in his writings on the Upaniṣads, this verse points to the importance of cultivating a sense of inner detachment, not in the sense of rejecting the world, but in recognizing that one's true nature is not defined by external circumstances. By embracing this perspective, individuals can cultivate a sense of freedom, compassion, and wisdom, leading to a more authentic and meaningful existence. This verse, in the context of modern life, encourages individuals to re-evaluate their priorities and cultivate a deeper sense of purpose and direction.