na tvahaṃ kāmaye rājyaṃ na ca rājyasya kāmanā. parastryāṃ dṛṣṭo ratnaṃ na jānāmi kim ॥ 269 ॥
“I do not desire a kingdom, nor does the kingdom have a desire; having seen a jewel in another's wife, what need is there to know it?”
Structure
na - tvahaṃ - kāmaye - rājyaṃ - na - ca - rājyasya - kāmanā - parastryāṃ - dṛṣṭo - ratnaṃ - na - jānāmi - kim
na (not) tvahaṃ (I) kāmaye (desire) rājyaṃ (kingdom)na (not) ca (and) rājyasya (of kingdom) kāmanā (for desire)parastryāṃ (in another's wife) dṛṣṭo (seen) ratnaṃ (gem) na (not) jānāmi (do I know) kim (what)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| tvahaṃ | tvahaṁ | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | you |
| kāmaye | kāmaye | verb | √kām · present · first | I desire |
| rājyaṃ | rājyaṁ | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | kingdom |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| rājyasya | rājyasya | noun | genitive · singular · masculine | of the kingdom |
| kāmanā | kāmanā | noun | ablative · singular · masculine | desire for the kingdom |
| parastryāṃ | parastryāṁ | noun | locative · singular · feminine | on another's wife |
| dṛṣṭo | dṛṣṭo | verb | √dṛś · past · third | seen |
| ratnaṃ | ratnaṁ | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | gem |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| jānāmi | jānāmi | verb | √jñā · present · first | I know |
| kim | kim | indeclinable | — | what? |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, when interpreted through the lens of non-duality, suggests that the ultimate reality, Brahman, is beyond human desires and worldly attachments. The statement 'I do not desire a kingdom, nor does the kingdom have a desire' can be seen as a reflection of the transcendental nature of the Self (Ātman), which is not bound by the limitations of human desires. Shankara's reasoning on similar passages emphasizes the importance of recognizing the illusory nature of the world and the futility of human desires. This verse, in line with Advaita Vedānta, points towards the ultimate goal of realizing the identity of Brahman and Ātman, where individual desires and worldly possessions lose their significance. The mention of a jewel in another's wife serves as a metaphor for the fleeting nature of worldly attractions and the need to look beyond them to discover the true, unchanging reality.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): From a Vaiṣṇava perspective, this verse can be seen as an expression of detachment and devotion. The lack of desire for a kingdom and its treasures can be interpreted as a sign of spiritual maturity, where the individual recognizes the transitory nature of worldly power and wealth. This realization can lead to a deeper devotion to God (Īśvara), who is the ultimate source of all wealth and power. Rāmānujācārya, for instance, would likely emphasize the importance of bhakti (devotion) as a means to cultivate this detachment and to recognize one's true relationship with God. The image of a jewel in another's wife could represent the allure of worldly possessions, which, when seen in the context of divine ownership, lose their appeal, directing the devotee's focus towards a more sublime and eternal relationship with the Lord.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse offers profound insights when applied to contemporary life. Swami Vivekananda, a key figure in Neo-Vedānta, would likely interpret this verse as a call to look beyond materialistic desires and societal expectations. The statement reflects a universal principle of detachment, essential for individual freedom and happiness. Vivekananda, in his lectures, emphasized the importance of realizing one's true nature and potential, which is not confined by external possessions or status. The verse's reference to a jewel in another's wife can be seen as a metaphor for the societal pressures and comparisons that distract us from our inner journey. Rādhākrishnan, building on Vivekananda's ideas, might further elaborate on how this verse promotes a philosophy of life that values the pursuit of knowledge, self-realization, and service to others, leading to a more harmonious and equitable society.