na tvahaṃ kāmaye rājyaṃ na ca rājyasya kāmanā । rājyād duḥkham adhikam ।
“I do not desire a kingdom, nor do I have a desire for a kingdom; a kingdom brings more suffering.”
Structure
na tvahaṃ kāmaye rājyaṃ na ca rājyasya kāmanā rājyāt duḥkham adhikam
na (not) tvahaṃ (I) kāmaye (desire) rājyaṃ (kingdom), na (not) ca (and) rājyasya (of kingdom) kāmanā (desire), rājyāt (from kingdom) duḥkham (sorrow) adhikam (more)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| tvahaṃ | tvahaṃ | pronoun | nominative · singular | I |
| kāmaye | kāmaye | verb | √kām · present · first | I 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 |
| kāmanā | kāmanā | noun | ablative · singular · masculine | by desire |
| rājyāt | rājyāt | noun | ablative · singular · neuter | from the kingdom |
| duḥkham | duḥkham | noun | nominative · singular · neuter | suffering |
| adhikam | adhikam | noun | nominative · singular · neuter | more |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse resonates with the non-dual perspective of Advaita Vedānta, as it underscores the futility of desiring worldly possessions, such as a kingdom. Shankara's commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā (Chapter 3, Verse 22) similarly emphasizes the idea that one should not be attached to worldly desires. In this context, the verse suggests that the ultimate reality, Brahman, is beyond human desires and worldly possessions. The statement 'na tvahaṃ kāmaye rājyaṃ' (I do not desire a kingdom) points to the detachment of the Self (Ātman) from worldly desires, which is a key aspect of Advaita philosophy. By renouncing desires for worldly power, one can realize the true nature of the Self, which is identical with Brahman. This verse, therefore, serves as a reminder of the importance of cultivating detachment and self-inquiry to attain spiritual liberation.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): From a Vaiṣṇava perspective, this verse highlights the futility of worldly desires and the importance of devotion to a higher power. Rāmānujācārya's commentary on the Bhagavad Gītā (Chapter 12, Verse 13-14) emphasizes the idea that one should cultivate devotion to Īśvara (the Supreme Lord) and renounce worldly desires. The verse 'na tvahaṃ kāmaye rājyaṃ' can be seen as a expression of the jīva's (individual self) desire to renounce worldly attachment and instead seek refuge in the Lord. The Vaiṣṇava tradition emphasizes the concept of 'prapatti' or self-surrender, where the individual surrenders their desires and ego to the will of the Lord. This verse, therefore, serves as a reminder of the importance of cultivating devotion and self-surrender to achieve spiritual liberation and union with the Divine.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): This verse has a profound universal and practical application in contemporary life. Swami Vivekānanda, in his lecture 'The Powers of the Mind' (Complete Works, Volume 3), emphasizes the importance of cultivating detachment and self-control to achieve true freedom. The statement 'rājyād duḥkham adhikam' (a kingdom brings more suffering) serves as a reminder that worldly power and possessions often lead to greater suffering and stress. This verse, therefore, encourages individuals to re-evaluate their priorities and seek inner fulfillment rather than external validation. In the context of modern life, this verse can be seen as a warning against the pitfalls of materialism and the importance of cultivating a sense of inner peace and contentment. As S. Rādhākrishnan notes in his book 'The Bhagavad Gītā' (1938), true happiness and fulfillment can only be achieved by cultivating a deeper understanding of the Self and the world, and by renouncing attachment to worldly desires.