na tvahaṃ kāmaye rājānaṃ na ca deva-rathīṃ vṛthā । atha yad asti tan me dehi mātaram atho pitā ॥
“I do not desire a king or a chariot of the gods in vain; now, if you have it, give me my mother or father.”
Structure
na tv aham kāmaye rājānam na ca deva-rathīm vṛthā atha yad asti tat me dehi mātaram atho pitā
na (not) tv (indeed) aham (I) kāmaye (desire) rājānam (king), na (not) ca (and) deva-rathīm (divine charioteer's) vṛthā (in vain)atha (now) yad (what) asti (exists) tat (that) me (to me) dehi (give), mātaram (mother) atho (or) pitā (father)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| tv | tvā | indeclinable | — | you |
| ahaṃ | ahaṁ | pronoun | nominative · singular | I |
| kāmaye | kāmaye | verb | √kām · laṭ-present · first | I desire |
| rājānam | rājānam | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | king |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| deva-rathīm | devarathīṁ | compound | karmadhāraya · "deva-rathī" | chariot of the gods |
| vṛthā | vṛthā | indeclinable | — | in vain, uselessly |
| atha | atha | indeclinable | — | then, now |
| yad | yad | pronoun | nominative · singular · neuter | what |
| asti | asti | verb | √as · laṭ-present · third | is |
| tat | tat | pronoun | nominative · singular · neuter | that |
| me | me | pronoun | dative · singular | to me |
| dehi | dehi | verb | √dā · liṣ-optative · second | give |
| mātaram | mātaram | noun | accusative · singular · feminine | mother |
| atho | atho | indeclinable | — | or, then |
| pitā | pitā | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | father |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Pañcatantra highlights the non-dual understanding of ultimate reality. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Brahmasūtra, emphasizes the concept of 'ananyatva' or non-difference between Brahman and Ātman. The speaker's rejection of transient worldly desires, such as kingship or divine chariots, in favor of a profound longing for parental figures, symbolizes the seeker's inward journey. This yearning for the 'mātaram' or 'pitrā' can be seen as a metaphor for the Ātman's quest for its true, unchanging nature, which is ultimately one with Brahman. The verse thus illustrates the Advaitic notion that the pursuit of worldly pleasures is futile and that true fulfillment lies in realizing one's essential identity with the ultimate reality.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse can be interpreted through the lens of 'bhakti' or devotion. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Gītā, discusses the importance of loving surrender to Īśvara. The speaker's refusal of earthly and divine honors in favor of parental love may symbolize the jīva's innate desire for a personal relationship with the Divine. This longing for 'mātaram' or 'pitrā' can be seen as a representation of the yearning for the nurturing and protective aspect of Īśvara, akin to the concept of 'vātsalya' in Vaiṣṇava theology. Madhvācārya's concept of 'bheda' or difference between the individual soul and God also comes into play, as the speaker's desire is not for impersonal union but for a personal, loving connection with the Divine.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse holds significant relevance in modern times, as it underscores the universal human quest for meaningful relationships and transcendence. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures, emphasized the importance of realizing one's true potential and the need to look beyond material pursuits. The speaker's preference for parental love over worldly power or divine favors can be seen as a testament to the enduring power of human emotions and the pursuit of deeper, more lasting connections. S. Radhakrishnan, in his writings, also highlighted the significance of integrating spiritual values into everyday life. This verse, therefore, serves as a reminder of the importance of nurturing our inner selves, cultivating meaningful relationships, and striving for a sense of purpose that transcends fleeting worldly gains.