na tvahaṃ kāmaye rājyaṃ nāpi mohiṣye mayā svayam । Anicchann o’pi hi me’smāt prāpyate ced varaḥ
“I do not desire the kingdom, nor will I be tempted by it; yet if the sovereignty comes to me even against my will”
Structure
na - tvahaṃ - kāmaye - rājyaṃ - nāpi - mohoṣye - mayā - svayam - anicchann - o - api - hi - me - asmāt - prāpyate - ced - varaḥ
na (not) tvahaṃ (I) kāmaye (desire) rājyaṃ (kingdom) - I do not desire kingdomnāpi (nor) mohoṣye (be fascinated) mayā (by me) svayam (myself) - nor am I fascinated by myselfanicchann (not desiring) o (even) api (if) hi (indeed) me (to me) asmāt (from this one) varaḥ (boon) prāpyate (is obtained) ced (if) - even if I do not desire, if this boon is given to me
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not, no |
| tvahaṃ | tvahaṃ | pronoun | nominative · singular | you |
| kāmaye | kāmaye | verb | √kām · present · first | I desire |
| rājyaṃ | rājyaṃ | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | kingdom |
| nāpi | nāpi | indeclinable | — | nor, not at all |
| mohoṣye | mohoṣye | verb | √muh · future · first | I will be infatuated |
| mayā | mayā | pronoun | instrumental · singular · masculine | by me |
| svayam | svayam | indeclinable | — | oneself, of one's own accord |
| anicchann | anicchann | verb | √kṣam · present participle | not desiring |
| o | o | indeclinable | — | vocative particle |
| api | api | indeclinable | — | also, even |
| hi | hi | indeclinable | — | for, indeed |
| me | me | pronoun | dative · singular | to me |
| asmāt | asmāt | pronoun | ablative · singular | from me |
| prāpyate | prāpyate | verb | √prāp · present passive · third | is obtained |
| ced | ced | indeclinable | — | if |
| varaḥ | varaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | boon, gift |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse illustrates the non-dualistic philosophy of Advaita Vedanta, which posits that the ultimate reality is Brahman. Ādi Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Brahma Sutras (III.4.26), explains that the wise individual does not covet worldly things, including kingdoms, recognizing them as ephemeral and illusory. The verse 'I do not desire the kingdom, nor will I be tempted by it' reflects this understanding. Shankara's reasoning emphasizes that true freedom (moksha) can only be attained when one transcends the allurements of the world, realizing the identity of the individual self (ātman) with the universal Self (Brahman). The phrase 'yet if the sovereignty comes to me even against my will' underscores the idea that even when worldly positions are thrust upon an individual, the wise remain detached, knowing that these are merely manifestations of the ultimate reality, Brahman.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the perspective of Vaiṣṇava theology, particularly through the lens of Rāmānujācārya's Viśiṣṭādvaita Vedanta, this verse speaks to the relationship between the individual soul (jīva) and the Supreme Lord (Īśvara). Rāmānujācārya, commenting on the Bhagavad Gita, emphasizes the importance of selfless action (nishkama karma) and devotion to the Lord. The statement 'I do not desire the kingdom, nor will I be tempted by it' can be seen as an expression of the jīva's detachment from worldly desires, reflecting a mature devotion where one acts without attachment to personal gain. The acceptance of sovereignty 'even against my will' might be interpreted through the concept of prasada, or divine grace, where the Lord's will prevails, and the devotee accepts their role in the world with humility and recognition of Īśvara's omnipotence.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse, through the lens of Neo-Vedanta, offers a profound lesson in the practical application of spiritual principles in everyday life. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the importance of selfless action and the cultivation of detachment. He viewed detachment not as renunciation, but as a means to serve the world effectively without being bound by personal desires or outcomes. The statement 'I do not desire the kingdom, nor will I be tempted by it' can be seen as a call to individuals to transcend personal ambition for the greater good. The subsequent phrase, 'yet if the sovereignty comes to me even against my will,' suggests a readiness to accept responsibilities as they arise, serving with equanimity and dedication, illustrating the concept of nishkama karma (selfless action) in contemporary life, as inspired by Vivekānanda's vision for a spiritually awakened and socially engaged humanity.