na tvahaṃ kāmaye rājyaṃ na ca rājyasya kāmanāṃ । prāpte ca tasmin kimanyā bhaviṣyati || 280 ||
“I do not desire a kingdom, nor do I have a desire for a kingdom; when it is obtained, what else will happen?”
Structure
na - tvahaṃ - kāmaye - rājyaṃ - na - ca - rājyasya - kāmanāṃ - prāpte - ca - tasmin - kim - anyā - bhaviṣyati
na (not) tvahaṃ (I) kāmaye (desire) rājyaṃ (kingdom) na (not) ca (and) kāmanāṃ (desire) rājyasya (of kingdom) prāpte (when obtained) ca (and) tasmin (that) kim (what) anyā (other) bhaviṣyati (will be)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| tvahaṃ | tvahaṃ | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | I |
| kāmaye | kāmaye | verb | √kām · present · first | desire |
| rājyaṃ | rājyaṃ | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | kingdom |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| rājyasya | rājyasya | noun | genitive · singular · neuter | of the kingdom |
| kāmanāṃ | kāmanāṃ | noun | genitive · plural · masculine | of desires |
| prāpte | prāpte | verb | √prāp · past participle | having been obtained |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| tasmin | tasmin | pronoun | locative · singular · masculine | in that |
| kim | kim | indeclinable | — | what |
| anyā | anyā | noun | nominative · singular · feminine | other |
| bhaviṣyati | bhaviṣyati | verb | √bhu · future · third | will be |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the non-dual reality by negating the desire for transient worldly possessions, including kingdoms. According to Shankara's reasoning in his commentary on the Brahma Sutras (BS 1.1.1), all desires, including those for political power, stem from a fundamental ignorance of one's true nature as ātman. The verse 'na tvahaṃ kāmaye rājyaṃ' indicates a detachment from such desires, pointing towards the realization of brahman-ātman identity. Shankara would likely interpret 'prāpte ca tasmin kimanyā bhaviṣyati' as a rhetorical question highlighting the futility of seeking fulfillment in external achievements, since true fulfillment lies in the understanding of one's own nature as non-dual consciousness, beyond the transient gains of worldly power.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya): Ramanuja's perspective on this verse might emphasize the loving dependence of the jīva (individual soul) on Īśvara (the Supreme Lord). The rejection of desire for a kingdom could symbolize the jīva's recognition of its inherent limitations and the futility of seeking self-fulfillment through worldly means. Instead, the jīva seeks to surrender to Īśvara, recognizing that true joy and peace come from devotion. 'Na tvahaṃ kāmaye rājyaṃ' reflects this surrender, where one's desires are directed not towards earthly kingdoms but towards serving the Lord, exemplifying the principle of 'prapatti' or surrender, central to Vaiṣṇava philosophy. 'Prāpte ca tasmin kimanyā bhaviṣyati' hints at the ultimate question of what truly satisfies the soul, pointing towards a devotional relationship with the divine as the answer.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda): Swami Vivekananda would likely interpret this verse as a call to re-evaluate one's priorities in life, moving away from materialistic and power-driven ambitions towards spiritual goals. In his speeches and writings, Vivekananda often emphasized the importance of realizing one's inner strength and divinity. 'Na tvahaṃ kāmaye rājyaṃ' can be seen as a personal declaration of independence from external validation, focusing instead on inner fulfillment. 'Prāpte ca tasmin kimanyā bhaviṣyati' becomes a universal question applicable to contemporary life, urging individuals to consider what truly brings satisfaction and fulfillment, beyond the ephemeral nature of worldly achievements. This aligns with Vivekananda's message of self-realization and service to humanity, suggesting that true happiness and peace are found in cultivating inner awareness and contributing positively to the world.