Na tvahaṁ kāmaye rājyaṁ na ca rājyasya kāmnā। Etāvadeva ca manasā niṣpāpam।
“I do not desire kingship, nor do I have a desire for it; I am only free from sin in this much.”
Structure
Na - tvahaṁ - kāmaye - rājyaṁ - na - ca - rājyasya - kāmnā - Etāvata - eva - ca - manasā - niṣpāpam
Na (not) tvahaṁ (I) kāmaye (desire) rājyaṁ (kingdom)na (not) ca (and) rājyasya (of kingdom) kāmnā (for the desire)Etāvata (this much) eva (only) ca (and) manasā (in my mind) niṣpāpam (sinless)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Na | Na | indeclinable | — | not |
| tvahaṁ | tvahaṁ | compound | dvandva · "tva + aham" | you and I |
| kāmaye | kāmaye | verb | √kā · laṭ-present · first | I desire |
| rājyaṁ | rājyaṁ | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | kingdom |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| rājyasya | rājyasya | noun | genitive · singular · neuter | of the kingdom |
| kāmnā | kāmnā | noun | instrumental · singular · feminine | with desire |
| Etāvata | etāvata | indeclinable | — | thus much, only this |
| eva | eva | indeclinable | — | only, indeed |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| manasā | manasā | noun | instrumental · singular · neuter | with the mind |
| niṣpāpam | niṣpāpam | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | sinlessness |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the non-dual nature of reality, highlighting the unnecessary desire for external validation such as kingship. According to Shankara, the ultimate reality, Brahman, is beyond human desires and dualistic concepts. The phrase 'I am only free from sin in this much' indicates the individual self's (ātman) realization of its true nature, which is untouched by the fleeting nature of worldly desires. This understanding aligns with Shankara's commentary on the Brahmasūtras, where he emphasizes the importance of recognizing the identity of Brahman and Ātman. By letting go of desires, including that for kingship, one can realize this fundamental non-dual identity, leading to liberation from the cycle of suffering.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava tradition interprets this verse in the context of devotion and the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Rāmānujācārya would likely view the renunciation of desires for kingship as a reflection of the devotee's self-surrender to the will of the Lord. The phrase 'I am only free from sin in this much' suggests that true freedom from sin comes not from personal achievements but from the grace of the Lord. This aligns with Rāmānujācārya's concept of prapatti, or surrender, where the devotee acknowledges their complete dependence on the Lord for salvation. Madhvācārya, on the other hand, might emphasize the importance of recognizing one's true nature as a servant of the Lord, thus naturally abandoning desires for worldly power.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse offers a profound message for contemporary life, highlighting the importance of inner freedom and contentment. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on practical Vedānta, emphasized the need to look beyond external sources of happiness and instead cultivate inner peace. The rejection of desires for kingship symbolizes the broader human quest for satisfaction, which is often misguided. Vivekānanda would argue that true fulfillment comes from realizing one's inner potential and serving others, rather than pursuing power or wealth. Similarly, S. Radhakrishnan, in his philosophical works, discussed the universal relevance of Vedāntic principles, including the concept of detachment from worldly desires as a path to spiritual growth and global harmony. This verse, therefore, serves as a reminder of the timeless wisdom of Indian philosophy, applicable to personal and societal transformation in the modern era.