na tvayi na tvāṃ na tava na tvāya na tvē na tvā svayaṃ na tvāsva yi nāsvayi
“It is not in you, not in you, not in your possession, not for you, not in your presence, not you yourself, not in your self, not in you.”
Structure
na tvayi na tvām na tava na tvāya na tvē na tvā svayaṃ na tvāsva yi nāsvayi
na (not) tvayi (in you) na (not) tvām (you) na (not) tava (your) na (not) tvāya (to you) na (not) tvē (in you) na (not) tvā (you) svayaṃ (yourself) na (not) tvāsva yi (in yourself) nā (not) asvayi (I am not)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| tvayi | tvayi | pronoun | locative · singular · masculine | in you |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| tvām | tvām | pronoun | accusative · singular · masculine | you |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| tava | tava | pronoun | genitive · singular · masculine | your |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| tvāya | tvāya | pronoun | dative · singular · masculine | to you |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| tvē | tvē | pronoun | locative · singular · masculine | in you |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| tvā | tvā | pronoun | accusative · singular · masculine | you |
| svayaṃ | svayaṃ | indeclinable | — | oneself |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| tvāsva | tvāsva | compound | tatpuruṣa · "tvā + asva" | your horse |
| yi | yi | verb | √yi | |
| nāsvayi | nāsvayi | verb | √āsvaya |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse is a quintessential expression of the non-dual reality, underscoring the illusoriness of the distinctions we make. Shankara's commentary on the Taittiriya Upanishad, which explores the nature of the self, can be applied here. The negations in the verse (na tvayi, na tvām, etc.) point towards the limitation of language in describing the ultimate reality. It suggests that the reality is not something that can be possessed, observed, or even self-identified in the way we conventionally understand these terms. The phrase 'na tvā svayaṃ' (not you yourself) critiques the notion of a substantive, autonomous self, hinting at the brahman-ātman identity where the ultimate self (ātman) is not different from the supreme reality (brahman). This reading aligns with Shankara's emphasis on the non-dual nature of reality, where all distinctions, including the distinction between the individual self and the ultimate reality, are seen as illusory.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): The Vaiṣṇava interpretation of this verse would revolve around the concept of the jīva (individual soul) and its relationship with Īśvara (the divine). The negations can be seen as a reminder of the limitations of the jīva, emphasizing its dependence on Īśvara. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Brahmasūtra, discusses the notion of 'prapatti' or surrender, which involves a recognition of one's own limitations and total dependence on the divine. The phrase 'na tvaṃ na tvām' could suggest that the jīva, in its true nature, is not an independent entity but finds its identity and purpose in relation to Īśvara. This perspective underscores the devotional aspect, encouraging the devotee to seek a deeper connection with the divine, recognizing the futility of seeking fulfillment or identity independently of Īśvara.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on practical Vedānta, emphasized the universal applicability of the Upanishadic truths. This verse can be seen as a call to introspection, urging us to look beyond the superficial layers of our identity. The negations point towards the impermanence and illusoriness of our mundane identifications, encouraging a deeper inquiry into the nature of the self. In his book 'The Complete Works of Swami Vivekananda', he discusses the importance of realizing one's true nature as beyond the confines of the ego. This verse, in a modern context, invites us to transcend our ego-bound identifications and seek a more authentic, universal sense of self. It resonates with contemporary concerns about identity, purpose, and fulfillment, offering a philosophical framework for re-evaluating our priorities and seeking a more meaningful connection with the world and ourselves.