na tvahaṁ kāmaye rājyaṁ na ca mohaṁ na vittaśriyam । na vai putrān na dehaṁ ca mamedāṁ tan nivartayet ॥ २४६
“I do not desire kingdom, nor wealth, nor beauty, nor sons, nor even this body of mine, which can be destroyed.”
Structure
na - tvahaṁ - kāmaye - rājyaṁ - na - ca - mohaṁ - na - vitta - śriyam - na - vai - putrān - na - dehaṁ - ca - mamedāṁ - tan - nivartayet
ahaṁ (I) na (not) kāmaye (desire) rājyaṁ (kingdom) na (not) ca (and) mohaṁ (attachment) na (not) vitta (wealth) śriyam (prosperity) na (not) vai (indeed) putrān (sons) na (not) dehaṁ (body) ca (and) mamedāṁ (this mine) tan (that) nivartayet (should turn back)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| tvahaṁ | tvahaṁ | pronoun | nominative · singular | you |
| kāmaye | kāmaye | verb | √kā · laṭ-present · first | I desire |
| rājyaṁ | rājyaṁ | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | kingdom |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| mohaṁ | mohaṁ | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | delusion |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| vitta | vitta | noun | neuter | wealth |
| śriyam | śriyam | noun | accusative · singular · feminine | prosperity |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| vai | vai | indeclinable | — | indeed |
| putrān | putrān | noun | accusative · plural · masculine | sons |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| dehaṁ | dehaṁ | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | body |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| mamedāṁ | mamedāṁ | noun | accusative · singular · feminine | earth |
| tan | tan | pronoun | accusative · singular | that |
| nivartayet | nivartayet | verb | √vart · liṅ-optative · third | may he turn back |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse exemplifies the non-dual perspective by highlighting the impermanence of worldly desires and the body. According to Shankara, the ultimate reality, Brahman, is beyond human experiences and worldly attachments. In his commentary on the Brahmasutra, Shankara argues that the realization of one's true self (ātman) is the key to liberation. This verse points to the brahman-ātman identity by suggesting that one should transcend attachments to ephemeral things, including the body, to realize the true self. Shankara's reasoning, as seen in his exposition of the concept of 'vairagya' (detachment), supports this interpretation. By renouncing worldly desires, one can attain a state of inner peace and unity with the ultimate reality, underscoring the non-dual nature of existence.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): This verse is interpreted through the lens of devotion and the relationship between the individual self (jīva) and the Supreme Lord (Īśvara). Ramanuja, in his commentary on the Brahmasutra, emphasizes the importance of self-surrender and devotion to attain liberation. The verse's rejection of worldly desires is seen as a call to redirect one's love and attachment towards the divine. The body, being a gift from the Lord, should be used in His service, rather than being an object of attachment. Madhva, on the other hand, would view this verse as an illustration of the difference between the Lord and the individual self, highlighting the impermanence of the world and the need for devotion to attain eternal bliss. Both Ramanuja and Madhva would agree that the ultimate goal is to cultivate a loving relationship with the Supreme, transcending worldly attachments.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse offers a powerful message for contemporary life, emphasizing the importance of living beyond material attachments and desires. Vivekananda, in his lectures on practical Vedanta, often stressed the need to cultivate detachment and inner strength to achieve true freedom. He would interpret this verse as a call to redirect one's energy towards self-realization and service to humanity, rather than being bound by worldly ambitions. Radhakrishnan, in his writings on Indian philosophy, highlights the universal relevance of this verse, arguing that it points to the human quest for meaning and transcendence. By letting go of egoistic desires and attachments, one can discover a deeper sense of purpose and connection to the world, embodying the ideals of compassion, empathy, and selfless service.