na tvahaṁ kāmaye rājyaṁ na ca mohaṁ na vittam । atha ca tacchrutvā sukṛtaṁ mahad-anuttamam ॥ २७३ ॥
“I do not desire kingdom, nor do I desire wealth or worldly attachment; on the other hand, having heard that, it is the greatest good action.”
Structure
na - tvahaṁ - kāmaye - rājyaṁ - na - ca - mohaṁ - na - vittam - atha - ca - tacchrutvā - sukṛtaṁ - mahat - anuttamam
ahaṁ (I) na (not) kāmaye (desire) rājyaṁ (kingdom), na (not) ca (and) mohaṁ (attachment) na (nor) vittam (wealth), atha (then) ca (and) tacchrutvā (having heard), mahat (great) anuttamam (supreme) sukṛtaṁ (deed)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| tvahaṁ | tvahaṁ | compound | dvandva · "tvam + aham" | you and I |
| kāmaye | kāmaye | verb | √kām · 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 |
| vittam | vittam | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | wealth |
| atha | atha | indeclinable | — | then |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| tacchrutvā | tacchrutvā | compound | tatpuruṣa · "tat + śrutvā" | having heard that |
| sukṛtaṁ | sukṛtaṁ | noun | nominative · singular · neuter | merit |
| mahat | mahat | adjective | — | great |
| anuttamam | anuttamam | adjective | — | highest |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the non-dual nature of reality, where the individual self (ātman) is ultimately identical with the absolute reality (brahman). Shankara's commentary on the Brahmasūtra (1.1.1) highlights that the pursuit of kingdom, wealth, or worldly attachment is rooted in ignorance (avidyā) of one's true nature. The verse's rejection of these desires signifies a turning away from the ephemeral and a move towards the realization of the permanent, unchanging self. The phrase 'mahad-anuttamam' (the greatest good action) points to the supreme deed of self-realization, where the distinctions between subject and object, self and other, dissolve. This realization, as Shankara notes in his Upadeśasāhasrī (1.14), leads to the understanding that 'I am brahman' (Ahaṁ brahmāsmi), emphasizing the non-dual identity of the individual with the ultimate reality.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): From a Vaiṣṇava perspective, this verse can be seen as an expression of detachment (vairāgya) that is a prerequisite for devotional service (bhakti) to Īśvara (the Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his Śrī Bhāṣya (2.2.30), discusses the importance of cultivating detachment towards worldly possessions and desires as a means to focus on one's relationship with God. The phrase 'na tvahaṁ kāmaye' (I do not desire) signifies a surrender of personal desires, making room for the fulfillment of the Lord's will. The 'mahad-anuttamam' (the greatest good action) refers to the supreme act of loving devotion to Īśvara, which transcends all worldly achievements and leads to the ultimate goal of union with the divine. This interpretation aligns with the Vaiṣṇava emphasis on prapatti (surrender) as a means to attain mokṣa (liberation).
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse offers a profound message relevant to modern life: the pursuit of true fulfillment and meaning is not found in external acquisitions or worldly successes but in the realization of one's inner nature. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on Bhakti Yoga, emphasized the importance of renouncing attachments to worldly pleasures and desires as a path to spiritual growth. The verse 'na tvahaṁ kāmaye rājyaṁ na ca mohaṁ na vittam' resonates with Vivekānanda's call to look beyond material achievements and seek the divine within. The 'mahad-anuttamam' signifies the highest human potential, which is realized through selfless service, love, and the pursuit of knowledge. This universal and practical message, as echoed by S. Rādhākrishnan in his writings on the essence of Hinduism, encourages individuals to re-evaluate their priorities and strive for a more meaningful, spiritually oriented life, fostering a sense of global citizenship and harmony.