Na tvahaṃ kāmaye rājyaṃ nāpi mokṣaṃ na janmani। Yadyahaṃ kāmaye tacc me hastagataṃ॥
“I do not desire sovereignty, nor liberation, nor a particular birth; whatever I desire is already within my grasp.”
Structure
Na - tvahaṃ - kāmaye - rājyaṃ - nāpi - mokṣaṃ - na - janmani - Yadi - ahaṃ - kāmaye - tat - ca - me - hastagataṃ
Ahaṃ (I) tv (not) kāmaye (desire) rājyaṃ (kingdom) nāpi (nor) mokṣaṃ (liberation) na (nor) janmani (birth) Yadi (If) ahaṃ (I) kāmaye (desire) tat (that) ca (and) me (my) hastagataṃ (is within my grasp)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Na | Na | indeclinable | — | not |
| tvahaṃ | tvahaṁ | compound | dvandva · "tva + ahaṁ" | you and I |
| kāmaye | kāmaye | verb | √kā · laṭ-present · first | I desire |
| rājyaṃ | rājyaṁ | noun | accusative · singular · neuter | kingdom |
| nāpi | nāpi | indeclinable | — | nor |
| mokṣaṃ | mokṣaṁ | noun | accusative · singular · masculine | liberation |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| janmani | janmani | noun | locative · singular · masculine | in birth |
| Yadi | yadi | indeclinable | — | if |
| ahaṃ | ahaṁ | pronoun | nominative · singular · masculine | I |
| kāmaye | kāmaye | verb | √kā · laṭ-present · first | I desire |
| tat | tat | pronoun | nominative · singular · neuter | that |
| ca | ca | indeclinable | — | and |
| me | me | pronoun | dative · singular · masculine | to me |
| hastagataṃ | hastagataṁ | compound | karmadhāraya · "hasta-gataṁ" | within my grasp |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the non-dual nature of ultimate reality, highlighting the futility of desiring external attainments such as sovereignty, liberation, or a particular birth. According to Shankara, the pursuit of such desires stems from ignorance of one's true nature, which is brahman. The phrase 'yadyahaṃ kāmaye tacc me hastagataṃ' suggests that the fulfillment of one's desires is not something to be sought externally, but rather it is already within one's grasp, implying the identity of the individual self (ātman) with the ultimate reality (brahman). This reading is consistent with Shankara's commentary on the Brahma Sutras, where he argues that the realization of brahman-ātman identity is the ultimate goal of human existence. By emphasizing the internal nature of fulfillment, this verse points to the direct experience of brahman, unmediated by external desires or attainments.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): In the Vaiṣṇava tradition, this verse can be seen as an expression of the devotee's detachment from worldly desires and their sole focus on the love and service of the Lord. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Bhagavad Gita, emphasizes the importance of self-surrender and devotion to Īśvara, which is the ultimate reality. The phrase 'na tvahaṃ kāmaye rājyaṃ nāpi mokṣaṃ' suggests that the devotee does not desire even liberation, if it means separation from the Lord. Instead, the devotee seeks to serve the Lord, and in doing so, finds fulfillment. This verse highlights the intimate relationship between the jīva (individual self) and Īśvara (the Lord), where the jīva's desires are subsumed by their love and devotion to Īśvara, and they find happiness in serving the Lord.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse has significant implications for contemporary life, as it encourages individuals to re-evaluate their priorities and desires. According to Swami Vivekānanda, the fulfillment of one's desires is not something to be sought in external accomplishments or possessions, but rather it is already within one's grasp. In his lectures on 'Practical Vedanta', Vivekānanda emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and the cultivation of inner strength, which enables individuals to find happiness and fulfillment regardless of external circumstances. Similarly, S. Rādhākrishnan, in his writings on 'The Philosophy of the Upanishads', highlights the universal and practical application of this verse, arguing that it points to the importance of finding one's true nature and living in accordance with it. This verse can be seen as a call to action, encouraging individuals to look within themselves for fulfillment and to cultivate a sense of inner peace and contentment, rather than seeking it in external sources.