na tvahaṃ kāmaye rājyaṃ na svargo nāpi mokṣiruta। madanutthāya yaśasā saha dehaḥ paryāptam्।।
“I do not desire a kingdom, nor heaven, nor even liberation; fame alone, arising from my valour, together with my bodily existence, is enough for me.”
Structure
na - tvahaṃ - kāmaye - rājyaṃ - na - svargo - nāpi - mokṣiruta - madanutthāya - yaśasā - saha - dehaḥ - paryāptam
na (not) tvahaṃ (I) kāmaye (desire) rājyaṃ (kingdom)na (not) svargo (heaven) nāpi (nor) mokṣiruta (liberation)madanutthāya (having risen to fame) yaśasā (with fame) saha (along with) dehaḥ (body) paryāptam (is sufficient)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| tvahaṃ | tvahaṁ | pronoun | nominative · singular | you (honorific) |
| kāmaye | kāmaye | verb | √kām · laṭ-present · first | I desire |
| rājyaṃ | rājyaṁ | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | kingdom |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| svargo | svargo | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | heaven |
| nāpi | nāpi | indeclinable | — | nor |
| mokṣiruta | mokṣiruta | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | liberation |
| madanutthāya | madanutthāya | verb | √sthā | having risen with pride (or love) |
| yaśasā | yaśasā | noun | instrumental · singular · masculine | with fame |
| saha | saha | indeclinable | — | together with |
| dehaḥ | dehaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | body |
| paryāptam | paryāptam | noun | nominative · singular · neuter | enough |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the non-dualistic perspective, where the ultimate reality is the unity of brahman and ātman. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Brahmasūtra (1.1.1), emphasizes the notion of 'tadvanaḥ' or the pursuit of that (brahman), which is echoed in this verse's focus on 'yaśasā saha dehaḥ paryāptam' (fame arising from valour is enough). The verse suggests that true fulfillment lies not in external attainments like kingdoms or heaven but in the realization of one's true nature. By rejecting 'rājyaṃ na svargo nāpi mokṣiruta', it points towards the understanding that liberation is not something to be attained but is the natural state of being, once the veil of ignorance is lifted. This aligns with Śaṅkarācārya's interpretation of 'tat tvam asi' (you are that), emphasizing the identity of the individual self with the ultimate reality, brahman.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): From a Vaiṣṇava perspective, this verse can be seen as an expression of the devotee's dedication and selflessness. Rāmānujācārya, in his Bhagavad Gītā Bhāṣya, discusses the importance of 'prayatna' or effort in devotion. The rejection of 'rājyaṃ na svargo nāpi mokṣiruta' can be understood as a devotee's refusal to seek personal gain or liberation, instead, seeking to serve and please Īśvara (the Lord). The phrase 'madanutthāya yaśasā saha dehaḥ paryāptam' suggests that the pursuit of fame or recognition should be for the glory of the Lord, not personal aggrandizement. This reflects the Vaiṣṇava emphasis on 'bhakti' (devotion) and the jīva's (individual soul) dependence on Īśvara, where true fulfillment comes from serving and loving the divine, rather than seeking personal achievements or liberation.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse holds profound insights for contemporary life, emphasizing the importance of self-realization and the pursuit of excellence over external rewards. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures, often stressed the need for individuals to realize their inner potential and to strive for greatness not for personal gain but for the betterment of society. The rejection of 'rājyaṃ na svargo nāpi mokṣiruta' can be seen as a call to re-evaluate our priorities, focusing on personal growth and contribution rather than material success or spiritual liberation as ends in themselves. The phrase 'yaśasā saha dehaḥ paryāptam' suggests that true fulfillment comes from living a life of purpose and integrity, where one's actions and character bring a sense of self-respect and satisfaction, regardless of external recognition. This aligns with the Neo-Vedānta emphasis on practical Vedānta, where spiritual principles are applied to everyday life to create positive change and personal transformation.