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Pañcatantra · v.240
न त्वहं कामये राज्यं न च मोहं न वै धनम् ।

na tvahaṁ kāmaye rājyaṁ na ca mohaṁ na vai dhanam

I do not desire kingdom, nor do I desire attachment, nor do I desire wealth.

TTS

Structure

Padaccheda — word separation

na - tvahaṁ - kāmaye - rājyaṁ - na - ca - mohaṁ - na - vai - dhanam

Anvaya — prose reordering

ahaṁ (I) na (not) kāmaye (desire) rājyaṁ (kingdom) na (and not) ca (also) mohaṁ (attachment) na (nor) vai (indeed) dhanam (wealth)

Word-by-Word Grammar

WordIASTTypeGrammarMeaning
nanaindeclinablenot, no
tvahaṁtvahaṁpronounnominative · singularyou
kāmayekāmayeverb√kām · laṭ-present · firstI desire
rājyaṁrājyaṁnounaccusative · singular · neuterkingdom
nanaindeclinablenot, no
cacaindeclinableand
mohaṁmohaṁnounaccusative · singular · masculinedelusion
nanaindeclinablenot, no
vaivaiindeclinableindeed, surely
dhanamdhanamnounaccusative · singular · neuterwealth

Scholarly Commentary

Advaita Vedānta(Ādi Śaṅkarācārya)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the non-dual nature of reality, where the individual self (ātman) is ultimately identical with the absolute reality (Brahman). Shankara, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, emphasizes the renunciation of worldly desires as a means to realize this unity. The statement 'na tvahaṁ kāmaye rājyaṁ na ca mohaṁ na vai dhanam' illustrates the detachment necessary for self-realization. By rejecting desires for kingdom, attachment, and wealth, the individual prepares themselves for the understanding that their true nature is not bound by worldly limitations, but is, in fact, the unbounded Brahman. This rejection of worldly desires is not an end in itself but a means to uncover the true, unchanging Self that lies beyond all ephemeral pursuits. Thus, this verse points to the brahman-ātman identity by highlighting the necessity of transcending worldly attachments to realize one's true nature.

Vaiṣṇava Tradition(Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya)

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse can be seen as an expression of devotion and surrender to the will of Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Brahmasutras, emphasizes the concept of prapatti or self-surrender, where the individual surrenders their desires and self-effort to the mercy of God. The rejection of desires for 'rājyaṁ, mohaṁ, dhanam' can be understood as a preparatory step for this surrender, recognizing that true fulfillment and liberation come not from worldly achievements but from a loving relationship with Īśvara. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, might interpret this verse in the context of his Dvaita Vedānta, emphasizing the distinction between the individual soul (jīva) and God, yet still seeing the rejection of worldly desires as a necessary step towards devotion and ultimately, liberation through the grace of God. This verse, in the Vaiṣṇava context, highlights the importance of shifting one's focus from worldly ambitions to a devotional life centered on the love and service of Īśvara.

Neo-Vedānta(Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan)

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, a key figure in Neo-Vedānta, often emphasized the practical application of Vedāntic principles in everyday life. He would likely interpret this verse as a call to re-evaluate one's priorities and values, recognizing that true happiness and fulfillment do not lie in external possessions or status, but in the realization of one's inner strength and divinity. In his lectures and writings, Vivekānanda frequently stressed the importance of renouncing selfish desires and egoistic tendencies to achieve a higher, universal consciousness. Similarly, S. Rādhākrishnan, in his philosophical works, highlighted the universal relevance of Vedāntic teachings, including the idea that true freedom and happiness come from transcending the limitations of the ego and worldly desires. This verse, in the context of contemporary life, serves as a reminder of the importance of living a simple, selfless life, focused on personal growth, service to others, and the pursuit of spiritual knowledge, rather than being driven by material ambitions.

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