Bhagavad Gita 18.42 — Duties Born of Nature: Tranquillity, Self-Control, Purity, and Knowledge
शमो दमस्तपः शौचं क्षान्तिरार्जवमेव च ।
ज्ञानं विज्ञानमास्तिक्यं ब्रह्मकर्म स्वभावजम् ॥ १८.४२ ॥
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Tranquillity, self-control, austerity, purity, patience, uprightness, knowledge, realised wisdom, and faith are the duties of a Brāhmaṇa, born of his nature.
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| śhamaḥ | tranquillity, control of the mind |
| damaḥ | control of the senses |
| tapaḥ | austerity |
| śhaucham | purity |
| kṣhāntiḥ | patience, forgiveness |
| ārjavam | uprightness, honesty |
| eva | also |
| cha | and |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| jñānam | knowledge |
| vijñānam | realised wisdom, deeper understanding |
| āstikyam | faith in God and the scriptures |
| brahmakarma | the duty of a Brāhmaṇa |
| svabhāvajam | born of one's nature |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| śhamaḥ | tranquillity, control of the mind | jñānam | knowledge |
| damaḥ | control of the senses | vijñānam | realised wisdom, deeper understanding |
| tapaḥ | austerity | āstikyam | faith in God and the scriptures |
| śhaucham | purity | brahmakarma | the duty of a Brāhmaṇa |
| kṣhāntiḥ | patience, forgiveness | svabhāvajam | born of one's nature |
| ārjavam | uprightness, honesty | ||
| eva | also | ||
| cha | and | ||
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
Here Lord Krishna lists the natural qualities of the Brāhmaṇa. They are calmness, self-control, austerity, purity, forbearance, uprightness, knowledge, wisdom, and faith.
Essence
The qualities of the contemplative temperament
This verse describes the inner qualities of people in whom sattva predominates and whose natural calling is toward learning, teaching, and spiritual life. Each of the nine qualities is worth reflecting on, because all of them are valuable for anyone.
Śama (calmness of mind): The mind is peaceful and not easily disturbed by passing events.
Dama (control of the senses): The senses are restrained and are not allowed to pull the person in every direction.
Tapas (austerity, disciplined effort): The person willingly accepts discipline in body, speech, and mind for the sake of growth.
Śauca (purity): Both outer cleanliness and inner purity of motive are meant.
Kṣānti (forbearance, patience): The person can bear provocation and difficulty without retaliating or losing balance.
Ārjava (straightforwardness, honesty): There is no crookedness or pretence. The person's thought, word, and deed are in harmony.
Jñāna (knowledge) and vijñāna (wisdom, realised understanding): Jñāna is learning and understanding, while vijñāna is knowledge that has been experienced and made part of one's life.
Āstikya (faith, conviction): There is a firm trust in the spiritual dimension of life and in the teachings that point to it.
Qualities, not credentials
It is instructive that the verse lists qualities and does not mention titles or ancestry. Calmness, honesty, patience, and wisdom are not possessions that someone can inherit. They are developed through effort, and they are recognised by how a person lives. The verse calls them svabhāva-jam, born of one's nature, which means that they show themselves naturally when they have been truly cultivated.
Message for Everyday Life (Cultivating the Calm Mind)
Whatever our profession, we can benefit from developing these nine qualities. A teacher, an engineer, a parent, or a businessperson will all do better work if they have calm minds, controlled impulses, patience, and honesty.
Choose one to practise: This week, select one quality from the list, such as patience or straightforwardness, and watch for opportunities to practise it in small daily situations.
The qualities of the contemplative temperament
This verse describes the inner qualities of people in whom sattva predominates and whose natural calling is toward learning, teaching, and spiritual life. Each of the nine qualities is worth reflecting on, because all of them are valuable for anyone.
Śama (calmness of mind): The mind is peaceful and not easily disturbed by passing events.
Dama (control of the senses): The senses are restrained and are not allowed to pull the person in every direction.
Tapas (austerity, disciplined effort): The person willingly accepts discipline in body, speech, and mind for the sake of growth.
Śauca (purity): Both outer cleanliness and inner purity of motive are meant.
Kṣānti (forbearance, patience): The person can bear provocation and difficulty without retaliating or losing balance.
Ārjava (straightforwardness, honesty): There is no crookedness or pretence. The person's thought, word, and deed are in harmony.
Jñāna (knowledge) and vijñāna (wisdom, realised understanding): Jñāna is learning and understanding, while vijñāna is knowledge that has been experienced and made part of one's life.
Āstikya (faith, conviction): There is a firm trust in the spiritual dimension of life and in the teachings that point to it.
Qualities, not credentials
It is instructive that the verse lists qualities and does not mention titles or ancestry. Calmness, honesty, patience, and wisdom are not possessions that someone can inherit. They are developed through effort, and they are recognised by how a person lives. The verse calls them svabhāva-jam, born of one's nature, which means that they show themselves naturally when they have been truly cultivated.
Message for Everyday Life (Cultivating the Calm Mind)
Whatever our profession, we can benefit from developing these nine qualities. A teacher, an engineer, a parent, or a businessperson will all do better work if they have calm minds, controlled impulses, patience, and honesty.
Choose one to practise: This week, select one quality from the list, such as patience or straightforwardness, and watch for opportunities to practise it in small daily situations.
Next Topic
Lord Krishna has described the natural qualities of the contemplative temperament. In the next verse, He describes the qualities that belong to the Kṣatriya, the temperament of courage and leadership.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
Quiet minds see far.
Self-control is the first teacher.
A straight life needs no hiding.
Forgiving is a strength.
Trust gives knowledge its depth.
Clean motives make clear vision.
Know it, then live it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are 'śhama' (tranquillity) and 'dama' (self-control of the senses)?
What is the difference between 'jñānam' (knowledge) and 'vijñānam' (realised wisdom)?
What does 'āstikyam' (faith in God and scripture) mean?
What does 'brahmakarma' (the duty of one devoted to learning and teaching) mean?
What is the practical message of this verse in one sentence?
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