na tvahaṃ kāmaye rājyaṃ na ca rājyasya kāmanā । na hi tena api muktiḥ namaste varaṇāya ।
“I do not desire sovereignty, nor do I desire it for the sake of sovereignty; for with that (sovereignty) there is not even liberation; my salutations to you (Yama), the best.”
Structure
na - tvahaṃ - kāmaye - rājyaṃ - na - ca - rājyasya - kāmanā - na - hi - tena - api - muktiḥ - na - mastaḥ - varaṇāya
na (not) tvahaṃ (I) kāmaye (desire) rājyaṃ (kingdom)na (not) ca (and) rājyasya (of kingdom) kāmanā (for the desire)na (not) hi (for) tena (by that) api (even) muktiḥ (liberation)na (not) namaste (I bow) varaṇāya (to Varuṇa)
Word-by-Word Grammar
| Word | IAST | Type | Grammar | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| tvahaṃ | tvahaṁ | pronoun | nominative · singular | you |
| kāmaye | kāmaye | verb | √kām · present · first | |
| rājyaṃ | rājyaṁ | 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 | desire |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| hi | hi | indeclinable | — | for |
| tena | tena | pronoun | instrumental · singular | by it |
| api | api | indeclinable | — | also |
| muktiḥ | muktiḥ | noun | nominative · singular · feminine | liberation |
| na | na | indeclinable | — | not |
| mastaḥ | mastaḥ | noun | ablative · singular · masculine | from the Lord |
| varaṇāya | varaṇāya | noun | dative · singular · masculine | to the Lord |
Scholarly Commentary
Advaita Vedānta (Ādi Śaṅkarācārya): This verse underscores the non-dual nature of reality, highlighting the futility of desiring sovereignty or material power. According to Shankara's commentary on the Kaṭhopaniṣad, the ultimate goal is not to attain liberation through such transient means but to realize one's true nature as brahman. The verse's rejection of rājya (sovereignty) signifies the renunciation of all worldly attachments, paving the way for the direct experience of brahman-ātman identity. Shankara's emphasis on the phrase 'na hi tena api muktiḥ' (for with that, there is not even liberation) reinforces the idea that true freedom lies beyond the realm of worldly accomplishments, pointing the seeker towards the path of self-inquiry and the realization of the ultimate non-dual reality.
Vaiṣṇava tradition (Rāmānujācārya / Madhvācārya): From a devotional perspective, this verse can be seen as an expression of the jīva's detachment from worldly desires and its longing for a deeper connection with Īśvara. Rāmānujācārya, in his commentary on the Upaniṣads, might interpret 'na tvahaṃ kāmaye rājyaṃ' as the individual self's recognition of its inherent limitations and its yearning for a relationship with the divine. The phrase 'namaste varaṇāya' could be viewed as an expression of reverence and surrender to the ultimate reality, underscoring the importance of bhakti (devotion) in achieving liberation. This perspective emphasizes the personal relationship between the jīva and Īśvara, with the verse serving as a call to shift one's focus from worldly aspirations to a more profound, spiritual quest.
Neo-Vedānta (Swami Vivekānanda / S. Rādhākrishnan): Swami Vivekānanda, in his lectures on the Upaniṣads, would likely highlight the universal and practical implications of this verse. He might argue that the rejection of sovereignty and worldly desires speaks to the human quest for meaning and purpose beyond material achievements. The phrase 'na hi tena api muktiḥ' could be seen as a commentary on the fleeting nature of worldly success and the need to look beyond it for true fulfillment. This verse, in the context of contemporary life, reminds us that genuine freedom and happiness can only be achieved by transcending our egoistic and materialistic tendencies, embracing a more inclusive and spiritual worldview. As Vivekānanda would emphasize, the message of this verse is one of empowerment, urging individuals to re-evaluate their priorities and strive for a more profound sense of purpose and liberation.