na tu tena mahārājan sā rājyāya vaśiṣyate
“But she will not be subjected to kingship by him.”
Structure
na tu tena mahārājan sā rājyāya vaśiṣyate
tena (by him) mahārājan (great king) na (not) tu (indeed) sā (that) rājyāya (for the kingdom) vaśiṣyate (will be submissive)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| tu | tu | indeclinable | — | indeed, surely |
| tena | tena | pronoun | instrumental · singular · masculine | by him |
| mahārājan | mahārājan | noun | nominative · singular · masculine | great king |
| sā | sā | pronoun | nominative · singular · feminine | she |
| rājyāya | rājyāya | noun | dative · singular · neuter | for dominion |
| vaśiṣyate | vaśiṣyate | verb | √vaś · future · third | will be subject |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): The verse 'na tu tena mahārājan sā rājyāya vaśiṣyate' highlights the non-dual nature of ultimate reality. Shankara's commentary on the Taittiriya Upanishad (2.1.1) explains that the ātman, or individual self, is not bound by external circumstances, including kingship or worldly power. Similarly, in this verse, the subject is not subdued by the notion of kingship, indicating that true freedom lies beyond external designations. The non-dual reading of this verse underscores the idea that the ultimate reality, Brahman, is untouched by worldly attachments, including the concept of royal authority. As Shankara notes in his Brahma Sutra Bhashya (1.1.1), the ātman's true nature is not confined by external relationships or conditions, pointing to the identity of the individual self with the ultimate reality, Brahman.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya): This verse can be interpreted through the lens of the Vaiṣṇava tradition as emphasizing the relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Lord). Ramanuja's commentary on the Bhagavad Gita (3.27) notes that the individual self is not independent but is subject to the will of the Lord. However, in the context of this verse, the statement 'na tu tena mahārājan sā rājyāya vaśiṣyate' suggests that the individual is not bound by the external trappings of power, such as kingship. This reading is in line with Ramanuja's view that true freedom and devotion arise from surrender to the will of the Lord, rather than from external attachments or designations. The verse highlights the importance of recognizing one's true relationship with the divine and cultivating devotion, rather than becoming entangled in worldly power struggles.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda): The verse 'na tu tena mahārājan sā rājyāya vaśiṣyate' offers a powerful message for contemporary life. Vivekananda, in his lectures on the Upanishads, emphasized the importance of recognizing one's inner strength and freedom, beyond external circumstances. This verse can be seen as a call to look beyond the trappings of power and status, and to cultivate a sense of inner detachment and freedom. As Vivekananda noted in his speech 'The Powers of the Mind' (1896), true strength lies not in external possessions or titles but in the inner realm of the mind and spirit. The verse encourages us to look beyond the superficial and to recognize our true nature, unencumbered by external expectations or attachments. In today's world, this message can inspire individuals to re-evaluate their priorities and seek a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment.