na tvahaṃ kāmaye rājyaṃ na ca mohaṃ na vai dhanam
“I do not desire kingdom, nor do I desire attachment, nor do I desire wealth.”
Structure
na - tvahaṃ - kāmaye - rājyaṃ - na - ca - mohaṃ - na - vai - dhanam
ahaṃ (I) na (not) kāmaye (desire) rājyaṃ (kingdom) na (and not) ca (also) mohaṃ (attachment) na (nor) vai (indeed) dhanam (wealth)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| tvahaṃ | tvahaṃ | pronoun | nominative · singular | you |
| kāmaye | kāmaye | verb | √kām · laṭ-present · first | I desire |
| rājyaṃ | rājyaṃ | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | kingdom |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| mohaṃ | mohaṃ | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | delusion |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| vai | vai | indeclinable | — | indeed |
| dhanam | dhanam | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | wealth |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the non-dual nature of reality, emphasizing the futility of desiring external objects or states such as kingdom, attachment, or wealth. According to Shankara, such desires are rooted in ignorance (avidyā) of one's true nature, which is brahman. The phrase 'na tvahaṃ kāmaye' (I do not desire) points to the renunciation of egoistic desires, allowing the individual to realize the identity of the ātman with brahman. In his commentary on the Brahma Sutras (1.1.1), Shankara explains that the ultimate goal is not to fulfill desires but to realize one's true nature, which is free from all desires. This verse, in the context of the Pañcatantra, encourages the reader to seek liberation from the cycle of desire and attachment, thereby realizing the non-dual reality.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya): This verse can be seen as an expression of selfless devotion to Īśvara. By renouncing desires for kingdom, attachment, and wealth, the individual demonstrates a detachment that allows for a deeper relationship with the divine. Rāmānujācārya, in his Śrī Bhāṣya (2.2.42), emphasizes the importance of prapatti, or self-surrender, which involves renouncing one's egoistic desires and submitting to the will of Īśvara. This verse, in the Vaiṣṇava tradition, serves as a reminder of the importance of cultivating a desireless state, not for the sake of individual liberation but as a means of deepening one's devotion to and dependence on Īśvara. The individual's lack of desire for worldly objects is seen as a prerequisite for experiencing the divine love and grace of Īśvara.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda): This verse has a profound universal and practical application, as it highlights the importance of cultivating a desireless state in contemporary life. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lecture 'The Ideal of Karma-Yoga' (Complete Works, Vol. 1), emphasizes the need to perform actions without attachment to their fruits, thereby renouncing desires for personal gain or recognition. This verse, in the context of modern life, encourages individuals to reevaluate their priorities and values, recognizing that true fulfillment and happiness cannot be achieved through the accumulation of wealth, power, or material possessions. By letting go of egoistic desires, individuals can cultivate a sense of inner peace, freedom, and purpose, which is essential for achieving success and happiness in all aspects of life. As Vivekānanda notes, 'The moment I have my heart full of love and charity, the moment I realize that I am one with all, I have nothing more to fear.'