na tvahaṃ kāmaye rājyaṃ na svargaṃ nāpi mokṣaṃ ca . viveka-mātro-pajīvāṃ satyaṃ vadāmi nānṛtam ॥
“I do not desire kingdom, nor heaven, nor even liberation; I live by discrimination alone, and speak the truth, not untruth.”
Structure
na - tvahaṃ - kāmaye - rājyaṃ - na - svargaṃ - nāpi - mokṣaṃ - ca - viveka - mātra - upa - jīvāṃ - satyaṃ - vadāmi - na - anṛtam
ahaṃ (I) na (not) kāmaye (desire) rājyaṃ (kingdom), na (not) svargaṃ (heaven), nāpi (nor) ca (and) mokṣaṃ (liberation), viveka (discernment) mātra (alone) upa (by) jīvāṃ (I live), satyaṃ (truth) vadāmi (I speak), na (not) anṛtam (falsehood)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| tvahaṃ | tvahaṁ | pronoun | nominative · singular | you |
| kāmaye | kāmaye | verb | √kām · laṭ-present · first | I desire |
| rājyaṃ | rājyaṁ | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | kingdom |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| svargaṃ | svargaṁ | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | heaven |
| nāpi | nāpi | indeclinable | — | nor |
| mokṣaṃ | mokṣaṁ | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | liberation |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| viveka | viveka | noun | masculine | discernment |
| mātra | mātra | indeclinable | — | only |
| upa | upa | indeclinable | — | by |
| jīvāṃ | jīvāṁ | verb | √jīv · laṭ-present · first | I live |
| satyaṃ | satyaṁ | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | truth |
| vadāmi | vadāmi | verb | √vad · laṭ-present · first | I speak |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| anṛtam | anṛtam | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | falsehood |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse points to the ultimate reality of non-duality, where the individual self (ātman) is identical with the absolute reality (Brahman). Shankara's commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā (13.8-12) highlights the importance of discrimination (viveka) in realizing this identity. The verse's rejection of desires for kingdom, heaven, or liberation (mokṣa) underscores the futility of worldly pursuits. Shankara would likely interpret this as an affirmation of the jñāni's detachment from worldly goals, instead focusing on the direct experience of Brahman. The statement 'I live by discrimination alone' (viveka-mātra-upa-jīvāṃ) emphasizes the role of discernment in navigating the complexities of the world while remaining grounded in the knowledge of the ultimate reality. This discrimination is not merely intellectual but a lived experience that guides one's actions and speech, as indicated by 'speak the truth, not untruth' (satyaṃ vadāmi nānṛtam), reflecting the integrity and authenticity that arise from a deep understanding of the non-dual nature of reality.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): From a Vaiṣṇava perspective, this verse can be seen as an expression of a devotee's singular focus on serving the Lord (Īśvara), unencumbered by personal desires for worldly power or spiritual liberation. Rāmānujācārya's concept of 'prapatti' or surrender to the Lord is relevant here, where the devotee relinquishes all personal ambitions and desires, seeking only to be of service. The line 'I do not desire kingdom, nor heaven, nor even liberation' reflects a complete surrender of personal goals, mirroring the devotee's attitude in the Bhagavad Gītā (18.66), where Arjuna surrenders to Krishna, saying 'sarva-dharmān parityajya mām ekaṃ śaraṇaṃ vraja.' The emphasis on 'discrimination' (viveka) would be understood as the ability to distinguish between actions that please the Lord and those that do not, guiding the devotee in their service and ensuring that their speech and actions are truthful and pleasing to Īśvara.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda often emphasized the practical application of Vedāntic principles in everyday life, stressing the importance of living a life of service, self-control, and truthfulness. This verse resonates with his message, as it underscores the value of discrimination in guiding one's actions and decisions. In his lectures, Vivekānanda frequently highlighted the need to move beyond the petty desires that drive human beings, towards a larger sense of purpose and service. The statement 'I live by discrimination alone' would be seen as a call to cultivate this discriminative ability, enabling individuals to navigate life's challenges effectively and ethically. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, in his philosophical works, also emphasized the universal relevance of Indian thought, including the importance of living a truthful and self-disciplined life. This verse, with its emphasis on truth (satyaṃ) and rejection of personal ambitions, aligns with Radhakrishnan's vision of a global ethic rooted in Indian philosophical traditions, promoting a harmonious and just world order.