na tvahaṃ kāmaye rājyaṃ na ca rājyasya kāmnā | rājyād varam asti me 'napekṣatvam
“I do not desire the kingdom, nor do I have a desire for it; for me, not desiring it is better than the kingdom.”
Structure
na - tvahaṃ - kāmaye - rājyaṃ - na - ca - rājyasya - kāmnā - rājyāt - varam - asti - me - anapekṣatvam
na (not) tvahaṃ (I) kāmaye (desire) rājyaṃ (kingdom)na (not) ca (and) kāmnā (desire) rājyasya (of kingdom)rājyāt (than kingdom) varam (better) asti (is) me (to me) anapekṣatvam (non-attachment)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not, no |
| tvahaṃ | tvahaṁ | compound | dvandva · "tva + ahaṁ" | you and I, I (emphatic) |
| kāmaye | kāmaye | verb | √kām · laṭ-present · first | I desire |
| rājyaṃ | rājyaṁ | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | kingdom, sovereignty |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not, no |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| rājyasya | rājyasya | noun | genitive · singular · neuter | of the kingdom, of sovereignty |
| kāmnā | kāmnā | noun | ablative · singular · feminine | from desire |
| rājyāt | rājyāt | noun | ablative · singular · neuter | from the kingdom, from sovereignty |
| varam | varam | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | better, superior |
| asti | asti | verb | √as · laṭ-present · third | is, exists |
| me | me | pronoun | dative · singular · masculine | to me, for me |
| anapekṣatvam | anapekṣatvam | noun | nominative · singular · neuter | indifference, not desiring |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse resonates with the non-dual essence of Advaita Vedanta. Śaṅkarācārya, in his Brahmasūtra Bhāṣya, emphasizes the distinction between the self (ātman) and the non-self (anātman), which includes worldly attachments like kingdoms. The speaker's detachment from the kingdom symbolizes the renunciation of worldly desires, aligning with the concept of vairāgya. This detachment is a means to realize the identity of brahman and ātman, the ultimate non-dual reality. By stating 'anapekṣatvam' (not desiring) is better than the kingdom, the verse underscores the importance of indifference to worldly attainments in the pursuit of Self-realization. This reading is consistent with Śaṅkarācārya's interpretation of the Upaniṣads, where the ultimate goal is to understand and realize one's true nature beyond the ephemeral world.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse can be seen as an expression of the jīva's (individual self) relationship with Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his Śrī Bhāṣya, highlights the importance of prapatti (surrender) to the Lord, which involves renouncing one's own desires and ego. The verse's rejection of kingdom and desire for it can be interpreted as a form of prapatti, where the individual surrenders their worldly aspirations to the will of the Lord. This act of surrender is seen as a means to attain the Lord's grace and ultimately achieve mokṣa (liberation). Madhvācārya, in his commentaries, emphasizes the concept of bheda (difference) between the jīva and Īśvara, suggesting that the individual's detachment from worldly desires is a recognition of their dependence on the Lord's will.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the practical application of Vedāntic principles in everyday life. This verse can be seen as a call to re-evaluate one's priorities and desires, recognizing that true fulfillment and freedom come from within. The statement 'anapekṣatvam' (not desiring) being better than the kingdom underscores the importance of detachment and contentment. Rādhākrishnan, in his philosophical works, discusses the concept of 'anāsakti' (non-attachment), citing this verse as an example of how worldly attachments can be transcended. Both Vivekānanda and Rādhākrishnan emphasize the universal and timeless relevance of such verses, encouraging individuals to apply these principles in their contemporary lives to achieve a state of inner peace, balance, and freedom from the constraints of worldly desires.