Na tvahaṃ kāmaye rājyaṃ na svargo nāpi mokṣaḥ । Mṛgyate mama kastānī nūnametatpradhānataḥ ।
“I do not desire a kingdom, nor heaven, nor even liberation; what then should I seek which is not foremost among these?”
Structure
Na - tvahaṃ - kāmaye - rājyaṃ - na - svargo - nāpi - mokṣaḥ - Mṛgyate - mama - kastānī - nūnametatpradhānataḥ
Na (not) tvahaṃ (I) kāmaye (desire) rājyaṃ (kingdom), na (not) svargo (heaven) nāpi (nor) mokṣaḥ (liberation)Mṛgyate (is sought) mama (by me) kastānī (what) nūnametatpradhānataḥ (certainly primarily)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Na | Na | indeclinable | — | not, no |
| tvahaṃ | tvahaṁ | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | I, me |
| kāmaye | kāmaye | verb | √kām · laṭ-present · first | I desire |
| rājyaṃ | rājyaṁ | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | kingdom, sovereignty |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not, no |
| svargo | svargo | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | heaven, paradise |
| nāpi | nāpi | indeclinable | — | nor, not at all |
| mokṣaḥ | mokṣaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | liberation, release |
| Mṛgyate | mṛgyate | verb | √mṛg · laṭ-present · third | is sought, is searched for |
| mama | mama | pronoun | possessive · singular · masculine | my, mine |
| kastānī | kastānī | noun | nominative · singular · feminine | ox, cow |
| nūnametat | nūnametat | compound | karmadhāraya · "nūnam etat" | this only, only this |
| pradhānataḥ | pradhānataḥ | indeclinable | — | especially, principally |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the non-dual nature of reality, pointing to the ultimate truth that transcends worldly desires and dualistic concepts like kingdom, heaven, or liberation. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā, emphasizes the importance of realizing the brahman-ātman identity. In the context of this verse, the rejection of desires for kingdom, heaven, or liberation signifies the seeker's readiness to transcend the limitations of the ego and worldly attachments, embracing the supreme reality that is beyond all duality. The phrase 'what then should I seek which is not foremost among these' hints at the inquiry into the nature of the self, leading to the realization of the non-dual brahman. This interpretation aligns with Śaṅkarācārya's reasoning on the need to look beyond mundane and spiritual aspirations to grasp the ultimate truth.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): From a Vaiṣṇava perspective, this verse can be seen as an expression of the jīva's (individual soul's) innate longing for a relationship with Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Rāmānujācārya might interpret the rejection of desires for kingdom, heaven, or liberation as a renunciation of self-centered aspirations, acknowledging that true fulfillment lies in devotion to and service of the Lord. The question 'what then should I seek' could be understood as a call to seek a deeper connection with the divine, recognizing that the ultimate goal is not personal liberation but communion with Īśvara. This reading emphasizes the personal aspect of the divine and the path of devotion (bhakti) as the means to achieve this union. Madhvācārya, with his emphasis on the difference between the individual self and the Supreme, might see this verse as highlighting the necessity of recognizing one's true nature as a servant of the Lord, thus seeking not personal gain but the pleasure of serving Īśvara.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda would likely interpret this verse in the context of universal applicability and practical living. The rejection of desires for material or spiritual gains could be seen as a call to inner strength and self-realization, where one's focus shifts from external achievements to the cultivation of inner peace and wisdom. The question posed in the verse becomes an invitation to explore one's true potential and purpose, beyond the confines of personal ambitions. Rādhākrishnan, emphasizing the humanist aspect of Vedānta, might view this verse as underscoring the importance of understanding one's place within the larger human community, suggesting that the pursuit of individual desires must be balanced with a sense of responsibility and service to others. Both thinkers would likely see this verse as a prompt to reevaluate one's values and aspirations, aligning them with a broader vision of personal growth, social responsibility, and universal well-being.