Na tvahaṁ kāmaye rājyaṁ na dhanaṁ nāpi vīdeyaḥ. Athayatas tvahaṁ pāpsyeta tato me gajo bhavet.
“I do not desire kingdom, nor wealth, nor learning; but wherever I may obtain (them), there an elephant may be mine.”
Structure
Na - tvahaṁ - kāmaye - rājyaṁ - na - dhanaṁ - nāpi - vīdeyaḥ - Atha - yatas - tvahaṁ - pāpsyē - tato - me - gajaḥ - bhavet
ahaṁ (I) na (not) kāmaye (desire) rājyaṁ (kingdom) na (not) dhanaṁ (wealth) nāpi (nor) vīdeyaḥ (learning) , atha (now) yatas (whence) ahaṁ (I) pāpsyē (shall obtain) , tato (then) me (my) gajaḥ (elephant) bhavet (be)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Na | Na | indeclinable | — | not, no |
| tvahaṁ | tvahaṁ | pronoun | nominative · singular | I, me |
| kāmaye | kāmaye | verb | √kām · laṭ-present · first | I desire |
| rājyaṁ | rājyaṁ | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | kingdom, sovereignty |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not, no |
| dhanaṁ | dhanaṁ | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | wealth, riches |
| nāpi | nāpi | indeclinable | — | not even, nor |
| vīdeyaḥ | vīdeyaḥ | noun | nominative · plural · masculine | knowledge, learning |
| Atha | Atha | indeclinable | — | then, therefore |
| yatas | yatas | indeclinable | — | from which, whence |
| tvahaṁ | tvahaṁ | pronoun | nominative · singular | I, me |
| pāpsyē | pāpsyē | verb | √pā · liṅ-optative · first | may I obtain |
| tato | tato | indeclinable | — | then, thence |
| me | me | pronoun | genitive · singular | my, of me |
| gajaḥ | gajaḥ | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | elephant |
| bhavet | bhavet | verb | √bhū · liṅ-optative · third | may be, would be |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Pañcatantra can be seen through the lens of non-dualism, where the speaker's detachment from desires for kingdom, wealth, or learning reflects a understanding that true fulfillment lies beyond worldly possessions. Ādi Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Brahmasūtras, discusses the concept of 'ananda' or bliss, which is inherent to one's true nature (Brahman). The desire for an elephant, symbolizing strength and prosperity, can be seen as a metaphor for the quest for this intrinsic bliss, which is not something to be obtained but rather realized as one's true essence. This verse, thus, points to the identity of the individual self (ātman) with the ultimate reality (Brahman), encouraging a shift from external desires to an internal quest for self-realization.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava perspective, this verse can be interpreted as an expression of devotion and surrender to the will of Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). The speaker's statement that they do not desire kingdom, wealth, or learning can be seen as a manifestation of 'vairāgya' or detachment, a quality highly valued in the path of devotion. Rāmānujācārya, in his Śrī Bhāṣya, discusses the concept of 'prapatti' or surrender, where the individual surrenders their desires and ego to the divine will. The desire for an elephant, in this context, could symbolize a longing for the divine grace or the strength to follow the path of devotion without distractions, underscoring the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara, where the former seeks fulfillment and guidance from the latter.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures, often emphasized the practical application of Vedāntic principles in everyday life. This verse from the Pañcatantra can be seen as a call to re-evaluate one's priorities and desires, focusing on what truly brings fulfillment. The detachment from external successes like kingdom, wealth, or learning can be interpreted as a modern-day reminder to look beyond material achievements for happiness. Vivekānanda, in his speech 'The Real Nature of Man', discusses the potential of the human soul, suggesting that true strength and prosperity (symbolized by the elephant) lie in realizing one's inner capabilities and living a life of service and compassion. This universal message resonates with contemporary life, encouraging individuals to seek a balanced and meaningful existence beyond fleeting desires.