Nirṛtim na tu kāmaye yaśaḥ kāmaye dhanam ca devā ṛtāvṛdhā vardhayantu mā druhāṇā vṛṇe
“I do not desire Nirṛti, but I desire fame and wealth; may the gods who are promoters of ṛta increase me, I choose not to be misled.”
Structure
Nirṛtim na tu kāmaye yaśaḥ kāmaye dhanam ca devā ṛtāvṛdhā vardhayantu mā druhāṇā vṛṇe
Ahaṃ (I) nirṛtim (misery) na (not) tu (but) kāmaye (desire) yaśaḥ (fame) kāmaye (desire) dhanam (wealth) ca (and) devāḥ (gods) ṛtāvṛdhā (who are increasers of truth/ ṛta) vardhayantu (may they increase) mām (me) druhāṇā (from enemies) vṛṇe (I choose/ I seek)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nirṛtim | Nirṛtim | noun | accusative · singular · feminine | death or destruction |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| tu | tu | indeclinable | — | indeed, surely |
| kāmaye | kāmaye | verb | √kām · laṭ-present · first | I desire |
| yaśaḥ | yaśaḥ | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | fame |
| kāmaye | kāmaye | verb | √kām · laṭ-present · first | I desire |
| dhanam | dhanam | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | wealth |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| devā | devā | noun | nominative · plural · masculine | gods |
| ṛtāvṛdhā | ṛtāvṛdhā | adjective | — | who are upholders of ṛta (dharma) |
| vardhayantu | vardhayantu | verb | √vardh · liṣṭ-imperative · third | may they increase |
| mā | mā | indeclinable | — | not |
| druhāṇā | druhāṇā | noun | accusative · plural · masculine | enemies |
| vṛṇe | vṛṇe | verb | √vṛ · laṭ-present · first | I choose |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse from the Ṛgveda presents a nuanced understanding of the ultimate reality. By stating 'I do not desire Nirṛti,' the speaker is essentially renouncing the cycle of suffering and misfortune, indicative of the worldly bonds. The desire for 'fame and wealth' can be seen as a metaphor for the quest for knowledge and self-realization. Śaṅkarācārya, in his commentary on the Brahmasūtras, emphasizes the concept of ātman-brahman identity, where the individual self (jīvātman) is ultimately one with the universal self (paramātman). This verse points towards this non-dual understanding, as the speaker seeks growth and increase from the gods who promote ṛta (cosmic order), signifying a yearning for unity with the ultimate reality. By rejecting Nirṛti and seeking the divine, the individual is, in essence, moving towards the realization of this fundamental identity, thus transcending the ephemeral nature of worldly attainments.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya): This verse is rich with devotional overtones, highlighting the relationship between the jīva (individual soul) and Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary, would likely interpret the rejection of Nirṛti as a rejection of the path that leads away from God. The desire for 'fame and wealth' can be understood in the context of desiring spiritual prosperity and divine grace. The phrase 'may the gods who are promoters of ṛta increase me' underscores the dependence of the jīva on Īśvara for spiritual growth and guidance. The Vaiṣṇava tradition emphasizes the concept of prapatti, or surrender, to the will of God, and this verse can be seen as an expression of such devotion, where the individual submits their desires and aspirations to the divine will, seeking spiritual nourishment and protection from the misfortunes of life.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda): This ancient verse holds profound relevance for modern life, as it speaks to the universal human quest for meaning and fulfillment. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures and writings, often emphasized the importance of understanding and applying the timeless wisdom of the Vedas to contemporary challenges. The speaker's rejection of Nirṛti and desire for 'fame and wealth' can be seen as a metaphor for the modern struggle to find purpose and prosperity amidst the turmoil of life. Vivekānanda would likely interpret the 'gods who are promoters of ṛta' as symbolic of the inner, divine spark within each individual, guiding us towards a path of righteousness and harmony with the universe. This verse, therefore, becomes a call to tap into our inner potential, to seek growth and guidance from our higher selves, and to align our lives with the universal principles of ṛta, leading to a more meaningful, balanced, and spiritually fulfilling existence.