na tvahaṁ kāmayiṣye na ca tvāṁ vaśiṣye
“I shall neither covet nor dominate you”
Structure
na - tvahaṁ - kāmayiṣye - na - ca - tvāṁ - vaśiṣye
ahaṁ (I) na (not) kāmayiṣye (will desire) tvāṁ (you) na (not) ca (and) vaśiṣye (will subdue)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| tvahaṁ | tvahaṁ | pronoun | nominative · singular | you (familiar) |
| kāmayiṣye | kāmayiṣye | verb | √kām · liṅ-optative · first | I may desire |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| tvāṁ | tvāṁ | pronoun | accusative · singular | you (familiar, object) |
| vaśiṣye | vaśiṣye | verb | √vaś · liṅ-optative · first | I may control |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse, na tvahaṁ kāmayiṣye na ca tvāṁ vaśiṣye, underscores the non-dual nature of reality by negating the impulses of coveting and dominating, which are rooted in the ego's separation from the ultimate reality, Brahman. Shankara's commentary on the Brahma Sutras emphasizes the dissolution of the individual ego (jiva) into the universal consciousness (Brahman), where such dualistic tendencies cease to exist. In the context of this verse, the negation of 'I shall neither covet nor dominate' points towards the realization of the brahman-ātman identity, where the distinctions between the self and the other disappear, leading to a state of liberation from worldly attachments and desires, akin to the concept of moksha. This understanding aligns with Shankara's interpretation of the Mahavakyas, which assert the ultimate non-duality of existence.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The verse na tvahaṁ kāmayiṣye na ca tvāṁ vaśiṣye, within the Vaiṣṇava tradition, is seen as an expression of the ideal relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Brahma Sutras, emphasizes the importance of bhakti (devotion) as a means to realize this relationship, where the jīva, in humility and surrender, recognizes its dependence on Īśvara, and thus, coveting or dominating becomes irrelevant. This verse, in the Vaiṣṇava perspective, signifies the jīva's acceptance of its natural state of servitude to Īśvara, leading to a life of devotion and service, where the focus is on pleasing the Lord rather than personal gain or dominance. Madhvācārya's Dvaita Vedanta also views this relationship as one of dependence, though with a strong emphasis on the real difference between the jīva and Īšvara, thus, the verse is seen as a call to recognize and respect this distinction in a spirit of devotion.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the practical applications of Vedanta, often emphasized the importance of overcoming the ego and its desires as a path to spiritual growth and service to humanity. The verse na tvahaṁ kāmayiṣye na ca tvāṁ vaśiṣye, in this context, serves as a powerful reminder of the need to transcend personal desires and the will to dominate, which he saw as barriers to true freedom and unity. Vivekānanda's message of service and universal brotherhood is reflected in this verse, where the negation of coveting and dominating becomes a principle for interpersonal and international relations, leading to a more harmonious and equitable world. Similarly, S. Rādhākrishnan, in his philosophical writings, highlighted the importance of moving beyond the confines of the individual self to a broader sense of human solidarity, which aligns with the universal and practical application of this verse, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all beings and the need for a selfless approach to life.