na tvahaṃ kāmaye rājyaṃ nāpi mohanam iṣyate
“I do not desire a kingdom, nor do I wish to be infatuated.”
Structure
na - tvahaṃ - kāmaye - rājyaṃ - nāpi - mohanam - iṣyate
na (not) tvahaṃ (I) kāmaye (desire) rājyaṃ (kingdom) nāpi (nor) mohanam (enchantment) iṣyate (is desired)
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 | I desire |
| rājyaṃ | rājyaṃ | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | kingdom |
| nāpi | nāpi | indeclinable | — | nor |
| mohanam | mohanam | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | delusion |
| iṣyate | iṣyate | verb | √iṣ · laṭ-present · third | is desired |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): The verse 'na tvahaṃ kāmaye rājyaṃ nāpi mohanam iṣyate' underscores the renunciation of worldly desires, aligning with the Advaita Vedānta principle of renouncing the ego and desires to realize the non-dual Brahman. Shankara's commentary on the Brahmasutras emphasizes the importance of dispelling ignorance (avidyā) to realize the ultimate reality. This verse can be seen as an expression of the jīva's disinterest in worldly pleasures and infatuation, pointing towards the ultimate goal of realizing the Brahman-ātman identity. In his commentary on the Taittiriya Upanishad, Shankara discusses the need to transcend worldly attachments to realize the self, which is in line with the sentiment expressed in this verse. By rejecting kingdom and infatuation, the individual moves closer to understanding the true nature of the self, unencumbered by worldly desires.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): This verse can be interpreted through the lens of bhakti, where the rejection of worldly kingdom and infatuation signifies a detachment from material possessions and a focus on the love for the divine. Rāmānujācārya, in his Śrī Bhāṣya, emphasizes the importance of prapatti, or self-surrender to God, which involves renouncing one's own desires and ego. The desire for a kingdom or to be infatuated can be seen as obstacles to true devotion. Madhvācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, highlights the distinction between the self and the body, advocating for a detachment from worldly attachments to achieve a deeper understanding of the self and its relationship with Īśvara. This verse, in the Vaiṣṇava perspective, encourages the jīva to move beyond material aspirations and seek a profound relationship with the divine.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): The universal message of this verse lies in its call to look beyond the fleeting nature of worldly success and desires. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures, often emphasized the importance of self-control and the need to rise above worldly attachments to achieve true freedom. This verse can be seen as a reminder of the impermanence of worldly accomplishments and the dangers of being infatuated with temporary pleasures. S. Rādhākrishnan, in his philosophical writings, discusses the concept of 'anāsakti' or non-attachment, as a means to achieve a balanced and fulfilling life. He advocates for a life of simplicity and detachment from excessive desires, which is in line with the sentiment of this verse. In contemporary life, this verse serves as a reminder of the importance of balancing personal aspirations with a broader perspective on life, encouraging individuals to cultivate inner strength and detachment in the face of life's challenges.