na - tvahaṃ - kāmaye - rājyaṃ - na - ca - mohaṃ - na - saṃgraham - na - vai - niṣkāmukḥ - kāmayet - kim - utānyena - me - dhanam

ahaṃ (I) na (not) kāmaye (desire) rājyaṃ (kingdom) na (and not) ca (also) mohaṃ (attachment) na (nor) saṃgraham (accumulation)na (not) vai (certainly) niṣkāmukḥ (one who is free from desire) kāmayet (would desire) kim (what) utānyena (further) me (my) dhanam (wealth)

Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse is a quintessential expression of the non-dual philosophy, emphasizing the futility of desiring worldly possessions or wealth. According to Shankara, the ultimate reality, Brahman, is beyond all dualities and worldly attachments. In his commentary on the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, Shankara highlights the importance of recognizing one's true nature as the unchanging, all-pervading consciousness. This verse illustrates the idea that once an individual realizes their true identity as the Self (ātman), they transcend worldly desires, including the desire for kingdom, wealth, or collection. As Shankara notes, the Self is not something to be attained through external means, but rather it is the very essence of one's being, awaiting realization. This verse, therefore, points to the Brahman-ātman identity, underscoring the idea that the individual self is, in reality, the ultimate, unchanging Consciousness.

Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse is often seen as an illustration of the ideal of selfless devotion to the Supreme Lord. Ramanuja, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, emphasizes the importance of cultivating a sense of detachment from worldly possessions and desires, in order to focus on one's relationship with the divine. This verse highlights the idea that a true devotee, who has transcended worldly attachments, does not hanker after another's wealth or possessions. Instead, they recognize that all wealth and possessions belong to the Lord, and that their own role is to serve and worship Him selflessly. As Madhva notes, the Lord is the ultimate owner of all wealth and possessions, and the individual's duty is to recognize and acknowledge this, rather than seeking to accumulate wealth for themselves.

Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse has significant practical implications for contemporary life, emphasizing the importance of living a simple, selfless, and contented life. According to Swami Vivekananda, the pursuit of wealth and material possessions is a major obstacle to spiritual growth and self-realization. In his lectures on the Bhagavad Gita, Vivekananda highlights the idea that true freedom and happiness can only be attained by transcending worldly desires and attachments, and recognizing one's true nature as a spiritual being. As Radhakrishnan notes, this verse illustrates the idea that true fulfillment and satisfaction come from within, and that the pursuit of external wealth or possessions is ultimately futile. This verse, therefore, offers a powerful message for modern society, encouraging individuals to re-evaluate their priorities and values, and to cultivate a deeper sense of inner fulfillment and contentment.

More from this source