na tvahaṃ kāmaye rājānaṃ na ca devariṣad-gaṇān । mamecchā mātṛ-sammāne nityaṃ nirvairahiṃ manah //
“I do not wish harm to the king or to the assembly of his enemies; my desire is always to be respected by my mother and to be free from enmity.”
Structure
na - tvahaṃ - kāmaye - rājānaṃ - na - ca - devariṣat - gaṇān - mamecchā - mātṛ - sammāne - nityaṃ - nirvairahiṃ - manah
na (not) tvahaṃ (I) kāmaye (desire) rājānaṃ (the king) na (not) ca (and) devariṣat (of the divine enemies) gaṇān (the groups) mamecchā (my desire) mātṛ (mother) sammāne (in respect) nityaṃ (always) nirvairahiṃ (without enmity) manah (mind)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| tvahaṃ | tvahaṁ | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | you |
| kāmaye | kāmaye | verb | √kām · laṭ-present · first | I desire |
| rājānaṃ | rājānaṁ | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | king |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| devariṣat | devariṣat | compound | tatpuruṣa · "devānāṁ riṣat" | of gods and sages |
| gaṇān | gaṇān | noun | accusative · plural · masculine | groups |
| mamecchā | mamecchā | noun | nominative · singular · feminine | my desire |
| mātṛ | mātṛ | noun | genitive · singular · feminine | of mother |
| sammāne | sammāne | noun | locative · singular · neuter | in respect |
| nityaṃ | nityaṁ | indeclinable | — | always |
| nirvairahiṃ | nirvairahiṁ | verb | √vair · laṭ-present · first | I am without enmity |
| manah | manas | noun | nominative · singular · neuter | mind |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse exemplifies the non-dual principle by highlighting the futility of worldly desires, such as harming the king or seeking reverence from the assembly of his enemies. The phrase 'mamecchā mātṛ-sammāne' indicates a desire for respect from one's mother, which can be seen as a metaphor for the longing of the individual self (jīva) for union with the ultimate reality (Brahman). According to Shankara, the realization of this union is the ultimate goal, as stated in the Brahma Sutras (1.1.1), where he comments on the Upanishadic phrase 'satyam vada' (speak the truth), implying the importance of seeking the ultimate truth. In this context, the verse points to the brahman-ātman identity, where the individual self transcends worldly desires and seeks union with the ultimate reality.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): This verse can be seen as a reflection of the devotee's (jīva) relationship with the Lord (Īśvara). The desire for respect from one's mother (mātṀ-sammāne) can be interpreted as a desire for the Lord's love and acceptance. According to Ramanuja, the jīva's ultimate goal is to attain a state of self-surrender (prapatti) to the Lord, as stated in his commentary on the Brahma Sutras (1.1.1). In this context, the verse highlights the importance of cultivating a sense of devotion and surrender, rather than seeking worldly power or recognition. The phrase 'nirvairahiṃ manah' (a mind free from enmity) is particularly significant, as it reflects the Vaiṣṇava emphasis on cultivating a heart full of love and compassion towards all beings.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse offers a universal and practical message, relevant to contemporary life. The desire for respect from one's mother (mātṛ-sammāne) can be seen as a desire for self-respect and dignity, which is essential for personal growth and fulfillment. According to Vivekananda, the ultimate goal of human life is to realize one's true potential and to cultivate a sense of inner strength and self-awareness (swaraj). In his lecture 'The Powers of the Mind', Vivekananda emphasizes the importance of cultivating a mind free from negativity and hatred, as stated in the phrase 'nirvairahiṃ manah'. This verse can be seen as a reminder to cultivate a sense of compassion, empathy, and understanding towards all beings, and to strive for a world where individuals can live in harmony and mutual respect.