na - tvahaṃ - kāmaye - rājyaṁ - na - ca - rājyasya - kāmanā

ahaṃ (I) na (not) kāmaye (desire) rājyaṁ (kingdom), na (and not) ca (also) rājyasya (of kingdom) kāmanā (for the desire)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the non-dual nature of reality by negating the desire for worldly kingdoms, symbolizing the ephemeral nature of all earthly attachments. Shankara's commentary on the Brahma Sutras and the Upanishads emphasizes the realization of the Self (Ātman) as the ultimate reality, beyond all duality. In the context of this verse, the renunciation of kingdom and desire for it signifies the detachment necessary for realizing the identity of Brahman and Ātman. Shankara's reasoning, as seen in his commentary on the Taittiriya Upanishad, emphasizes that true freedom lies in recognizing one's true nature as Ātman, untouched by worldly desires. Thus, the verse na tvahaṁ kāmaye rājyaṁ na ca rājyasya kāmanā points to the liberation from the cycle of birth and death through the understanding of the non-dual reality.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition, particularly through the lens of Rāmānujācārya, views this verse as an expression of the jīva's (individual soul's) natural inclination towards detachment from worldly desires, in order to cultivate devotion to Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Ramanuja, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, highlights the importance of prapatti, or self-surrender, as a means to achieve liberation. In this context, the statement na tvahaṁ kāmaye rājyaṁ na ca rājyasya kāmanā can be seen as an act of self-surrender, where the individual renounces personal desires and ambitions, recognizing the superiority of the Lord's will. This interpretation underscores the personal relationship between the jīva and Īśvara, with the former seeking to align his desires with the will of the latter.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekananda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the practical application of Vedantic principles in everyday life. This verse, in the context of Neo-Vedānta, can be seen as a call to inner renunciation, encouraging individuals to re-evaluate their priorities and desires. Vivekananda, in his speech 'The Ideal of a Universal Religion,' speaks of the necessity for the individual to look beyond external power and wealth, striving instead for inner strength and realization. Similarly, S. Radhakrishnan, in his book 'The Hindu View of Life,' discusses the importance of detachment and self-control in achieving a balanced and meaningful life. This verse, na tvahaṁ kāmaye rājyaṁ na ca rājyasya kāmanā, thus serves as a reminder of the universal human quest for transcendence and the fulfillment that comes from aligning one's life with higher principles.

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