na tvahaṃ kāmaye rājā na vā rājyaṃ mama hṛṣyati
“I do not desire to be a king, nor does the kingdom delight me”
Structure
na - tvahaṃ - kāmaye - rājā - na - vā - rājyaṃ - mama - hṛṣyati
ahaṃ (I) na (not) kāmaye (desire) rājā (to be a king) na (and not) vā (also) mama (my) hṛṣyati (delights) rājyaṃ (kingdom)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| tvahaṃ | tvahaṁ | pronoun | nominative · singular | you |
| kāmaye | kāmaye | verb | √kām · present · first | I desire |
| rājā | rājā | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | king |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| vā | vā | indeclinable | — | or |
| rājyaṃ | rājyaṁ | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | kingship |
| mama | mama | pronoun | genitive · singular | my |
| hṛṣyati | hṛṣyati | verb | √hṛṣ · present · third | rejoices |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the non-dual nature of reality, where the desire for kingship or kingdom is seen as a manifestation of the ego (ahaṃkāra). Shankara's commentary on the Brahmasutras (1.1.1) highlights the importance of transcending worldly desires to realize the ultimate truth of brahman-ātman identity. In this context, the verse 'na tvahaṃ kāmaye rājā' signifies a detachment from worldly ambitions, mirroring the renunciation of desires (vairāgya) necessary for Self-realization. By relinquishing the desire for power and wealth, the seeker can redirect their focus towards the eternal and unchanging essence, thereby experiencing the unity of brahman and ātman. This verse serves as a poignant reminder of the impermanence of worldly attainments and the importance of seeking the permanent and unchanging Self.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse can be seen as an expression of the jīva's (individual self) disillusionment with the fleeting nature of worldly power and wealth. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā (3.30), emphasizes the importance of surrendering one's desires and ego to the will of Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). The verse 'na tvahaṃ kāmaye rājā' reflects a similar sentiment, where the individual recognizes the futility of desiring worldly kingship and instead seeks to dedicate themselves to the service of the Lord. This surrender (prapatti) is seen as a means of attaining spiritual liberation, where the jīva reunites with Īśvara, realizing their inherent dependence on the divine. Through this verse, the Vaiṣṇava tradition highlights the value of humility and devotion in achieving spiritual growth and self-realization.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse has profound implications for contemporary life, as it highlights the importance of reevaluating our priorities and desires. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lecture 'The Real Nature of the Soul' (Complete Works, Vol. 2), emphasizes the need to look beyond external sources of happiness and instead focus on the inner development of the individual. The statement 'na tvahaṃ kāmaye rājā' serves as a powerful reminder of the impermanence of worldly attainments and the importance of cultivating inner fulfillment. In today's world, where materialism and consumerism often dominate our lives, this verse encourages us to reassess our values and strive for a more meaningful and purpose-driven existence. By recognizing the limitations of external sources of happiness, we can redirect our energies towards personal growth, self-awareness, and service to others, ultimately leading to a more harmonious and balanced life.