Bhagavad Gita 16.2 — Non-Violence, Truth and Compassion: Qualities of the Divine Nature
अहिंसा सत्यमक्रोधस्त्यागः शान्तिरपैशुनम् ।
दया भूतेष्वलोलुप्त्वं मार्दवं ह्रीरचापलम् ॥ १६.२ ॥
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Non-violence, truthfulness, freedom from anger, renunciation, tranquility, aversion to faultfinding, compassion towards all living beings, freedom from covetousness, gentleness, modesty and steadiness are further qualities of the divine nature.
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| ahiṁsā | non-violence, not causing harm in thought, word or deed |
| satyam | truthfulness |
| akrodhaḥ | freedom from anger |
| tyāgaḥ | renunciation, giving up the sense of ownership |
| śhāntiḥ | tranquility, inner peace |
| apaiśhunam | aversion to faultfinding, not slandering others |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| dayā | compassion |
| bhūteṣhu | towards all living beings |
| aloluptvam | freedom from greed, non-covetousness |
| mārdavam | gentleness, kindness |
| hrīḥ | modesty, sense of shame in wrongdoing |
| achāpalam | steadiness, absence of restlessness |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| ahiṁsā | non-violence, not causing harm in thought, word or deed | dayā | compassion |
| satyam | truthfulness | bhūteṣhu | towards all living beings |
| akrodhaḥ | freedom from anger | aloluptvam | freedom from greed, non-covetousness |
| tyāgaḥ | renunciation, giving up the sense of ownership | mārdavam | gentleness, kindness |
| śhāntiḥ | tranquility, inner peace | hrīḥ | modesty, sense of shame in wrongdoing |
| apaiśhunam | aversion to faultfinding, not slandering others | achāpalam | steadiness, absence of restlessness |
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
Lord Krishna continues describing the divine endowment, now emphasizing the qualities that govern our relationship with other people and with all living beings. If the previous verse spoke mainly of inner discipline, this verse shows how a purified heart expresses itself in speech, behavior, and compassion.
Essence
The Divine Nature in Relationships
A person's spiritual progress is revealed not only in meditation or ritual but in how they speak, react, and treat others. This verse lists eleven qualities, most of which are tested precisely in our interactions with the world.
Ahiṁsā (non-violence): This means more than refraining from physical harm. It includes avoiding cruel words, harsh thoughts, and deliberate neglect of another's suffering. Ahiṁsā begins in the mind, long before it appears in action.
Satyam (truthfulness) and akrodhaḥ (freedom from anger): Truth spoken without kindness can wound, and kindness without truth can deceive. The divine person holds both. Freedom from anger does not mean never feeling provoked; it means not allowing anger to rule one's judgment.
Tyāgaḥ (renunciation) and śāntiḥ (tranquility): Tyāga here points to inner letting go of possessiveness and ego-driven claims. As attachment loosens, a deep calm (śānti) arises, a peace that does not depend on circumstances.
Apaiśunam (aversion to faultfinding and slander): A person of divine nature does not delight in exposing others' faults or spreading gossip. This quality quietly protects relationships, families, and communities.
Dayā bhūteṣu (compassion toward all beings): Compassion is not limited to those we like or those who are like us. It extends to every living being.
Aloluptvam, mārdavam, hrīḥ, acāpalam: Freedom from greed and restless craving, gentleness of nature, modesty or a natural sense of shame before wrongdoing, and steadiness of mind that is not tossed about by every passing impulse.
Message for Everyday Life (Speaking and Acting with Care)
Watch your words: In an age of social media and instant opinions, apaiśunam is especially valuable. Before criticizing or sharing something about another person, ask whether it is true, whether it is necessary, and whether it is kind.
Practical approach: When anger rises, pause for a few breaths before responding. That small gap is where ahiṁsā and akrodha become real. Over time, such pauses reshape one's temperament and strengthen every relationship.
The Divine Nature in Relationships
A person's spiritual progress is revealed not only in meditation or ritual but in how they speak, react, and treat others. This verse lists eleven qualities, most of which are tested precisely in our interactions with the world.
Ahiṁsā (non-violence): This means more than refraining from physical harm. It includes avoiding cruel words, harsh thoughts, and deliberate neglect of another's suffering. Ahiṁsā begins in the mind, long before it appears in action.
Satyam (truthfulness) and akrodhaḥ (freedom from anger): Truth spoken without kindness can wound, and kindness without truth can deceive. The divine person holds both. Freedom from anger does not mean never feeling provoked; it means not allowing anger to rule one's judgment.
Tyāgaḥ (renunciation) and śāntiḥ (tranquility): Tyāga here points to inner letting go of possessiveness and ego-driven claims. As attachment loosens, a deep calm (śānti) arises, a peace that does not depend on circumstances.
Apaiśunam (aversion to faultfinding and slander): A person of divine nature does not delight in exposing others' faults or spreading gossip. This quality quietly protects relationships, families, and communities.
Dayā bhūteṣu (compassion toward all beings): Compassion is not limited to those we like or those who are like us. It extends to every living being.
Aloluptvam, mārdavam, hrīḥ, acāpalam: Freedom from greed and restless craving, gentleness of nature, modesty or a natural sense of shame before wrongdoing, and steadiness of mind that is not tossed about by every passing impulse.
Message for Everyday Life (Speaking and Acting with Care)
Watch your words: In an age of social media and instant opinions, apaiśunam is especially valuable. Before criticizing or sharing something about another person, ask whether it is true, whether it is necessary, and whether it is kind.
Practical approach: When anger rises, pause for a few breaths before responding. That small gap is where ahiṁsā and akrodha become real. Over time, such pauses reshape one's temperament and strengthen every relationship.
Next Topic
Lord Krishna has shown how the divine nature flows into non-violence, truth, compassion, and gentleness. A few more qualities remain to complete the picture. In the next verse, He names the final group, including radiance, forgiveness, fortitude, purity, and freedom from excessive pride, and then summarizes whom these qualities belong to.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
Softness of heart is strength in disguise.
Truth is the best foundation for trust.
Inner calm is a gift you give to everyone around you.
Kindness is the language all beings understand.
Not every thought deserves a word.
Humility makes room for growth.
Wanting less makes living richer.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'ahiṁsā' (non-violence) include?
How can 'satyam' (truthfulness) and kindness go together?
What is 'apaiśhunam' (aversion to faultfinding)?
What is the difference between 'tyāga' (renunciation) and running away from life?
What does 'hrī' (modesty) mean?
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