na tvahaṃ kāmaye rājyaṃ na ca mohaṃ na vittaśrīḥ। na cedaṃ grāmyapaiśūnaṃ na ca paṇḍityamātmani।
“I do not desire kingdom, nor do I desire wealth or worldly attachments, nor do I take pleasure in village gossip, nor do I claim to be a scholar.”
Structure
na - tvahaṃ - kāmaye - rājyaṃ - na - ca - mohaṃ - na - vittaśrīḥ - na - ca - idaṃ - grāmyapaiśūnaṃ - na - ca - paṇḍityam - ātmani
ahaṃ (I) na (not) kāmaye (desire) rājyaṃ (kingdom),na (not) ca (and) mohaṃ (delusion),na (not) vittaśrīḥ (wealth and prosperity),na (not) ca (and) idaṃ (this) grāmyapaiśūnaṃ (rustic and childish talk),na (not) ca (and) paṇḍityam (scholarship) ātmani (in myself)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| tvahaṃ | tvahaṁ | pronoun | nominative · singular | you |
| kāmaye | kāmaye | verb | √kām · laṭ-present · first | I desire |
| rājyaṃ | rājyaṁ | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | kingdom |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| mohaṃ | mohaṁ | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | delusion |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| vittāśrīḥ | vittāśrīḥ | noun | accusative · singular · feminine | wealth and prosperity |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| idaṃ | idaṁ | pronoun | accusative · singular · neuter | this |
| grāmyapaiśūnaṃ | grāmyapaiśūnaṁ | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | rustic and foolish talk |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| paṇḍityam | paṇḍityam | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | learning |
| ātmani | ātmani | noun | locative · singular · masculine | in oneself |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the essence of non-dualistic philosophy by negating the desire for transient worldly pleasures and knowledge. Shankara's commentary on the Taittiriya Upanishad, where he explains the concept of 'neti neti' (not this, not this), resonates with this verse. The rejection of desires for kingdom, wealth, and worldly attachments indicates a shift towards the inner self, pointing to the identity of Brahman and Ātman. The phrase 'na ca paṇḍityam ātmani' suggests that true understanding lies beyond intellectual prowess, hinting at the direct experience of reality, unmediated by the intellect. This aligns with Shankara's emphasis on the limitations of language and the need for direct experience to comprehend the ultimate reality.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): This verse can be seen as an expression of the devotee's detachment from worldly desires, fostering a pure love for the divine. Ramanuja, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, discusses the importance of detachment (vairagya) as a means to achieve devotion to Īśvara. The rejection of desires mentioned in this verse reflects a similar sentiment, where the focus is on devotion rather than worldly gains. The phrase 'na tvahaṃ kāmaye rājyaṃ' can be interpreted as a renunciation of worldly power, suggesting that true strength lies in devotion to the Lord. This aligns with the Vaiṣṇava emphasis on the relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Lord), where devotion is the primary means of realizing one's true nature and achieving liberation.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse offers a universal message of simplicity, humility, and the pursuit of inner truth. Swami Vivekananda, in his lectures, often emphasized the importance of renouncing worldly desires and focusing on the inner development of the individual. The rejection of desires for kingdom, wealth, and worldly knowledge in this verse resonates with Vivekananda's call for a simple and austere life, dedicated to the realization of one's true potential. The phrase 'na ca paṇḍityam ātmani' suggests that true wisdom lies beyond intellectual achievements, emphasizing the need for self-reflection and introspection. This message is particularly relevant in contemporary life, where the pursuit of material success often overshadows the pursuit of inner fulfillment and happiness. By embracing the spirit of this verse, individuals can cultivate a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment, leading to a more meaningful and balanced life.