Bhagavad Gita Chapter 16, Verse 2

English Translation

Non-injury, truthfulness, absence of anger, renunciation, control of the internal organ, absence of vilification, kindness to creatures, non-covetousness, gentleness, modesty, freedom from restlessness;

Detailed Commentary

**Ahimsa** – Not causing harm or wishing ill-will, in any way, through body, mind, speech, or emotions, is called Ahimsa. True Ahimsa manifests when a person turns away from the world and moves towards Paramatma. The observance of Ahimsa then happens spontaneously for them. However, one who indulges in sense pleasures with attachment (Rāga) cannot be entirely Ahimsaka (non-violent). Such a person causes their own downfall and also destroys the objects they consume. One who enjoys the limited objects of the world considering them as their own commits Himsā (violence). To consider an object as personal for one's own enjoyment is Himsā. If a person dedicates an object to service (Sevā), they can avoid Himsā and become Ahimsaka. One who consumes pleasures for their own happiness and indulgence causes sorrow to those who do not get those pleasures. This is Himsā towards them, because the pleasure-seeker (Bhogi) is concerned only with their own self-interest and happiness. Saints and great souls (Sant Mahāpuruṣa) live only for the welfare of others; if someone still feels sorrow upon seeing them, that cannot be Himsā. One who walks towards Paramatma does not commit Himsā because they do not consume objects with a materialistic (Bhoga-buddhi) mindset. A Sādhaka (spiritual aspirant) walking towards Paramatma never causes sorrow to anyone through body, mind, or speech. If someone experiences sorrow due to their external actions, it is due to their own nature. The Sādhaka, from within, never has the intention to cause sorrow to anyone. Their intention should always be to benefit everyone. If someone obstructs a Sādhaka's Sādhanā (spiritual practice), they do not feel anger towards them, nor does a feeling of ill-will arise in their mind. Yes, obstruction in the path towards Paramatma may cause them sorrow, but that sorrow is not like worldly sorrow. It brings forth alertness and caution in the Sādhaka. If there is malice (Dveṣa) towards someone, it means they lack interest in their Sādhanā. A Sādhaka possesses readiness and interest in their Sādhanā. This interest reveals where there are deficiencies in the practice and brings the power to overcome them. However, attachment (Rāga) can lead to the possibility of malice towards those who create obstacles in Sādhanā. Others create obstacles only when our interest in Sādhanā is low. Just like the fragrance of a flower, the spiritual vibrations (Pāramārthika paramāṇu) of a Sādhaka spread, purifying the environment. Through this, benefit to all beings happens spontaneously. **Satya** – Speaking truthfully, as heard, seen, or understood, from the perspective of others' welfare, abandoning self-interest and ego (Abhimān), is Satya. When the goal is to attain Paramatma, who is the embodiment of Truth (Satya-svarūpa), untruthfulness does not occur in the Sādhaka. The truthful conduct (Satya-vyavahāra) of a Sādhaka is for the benefit of all. **Akrodha** – The burning tendency to harm others is anger (Krodha). But as long as there is no intention to harm others, it is merely agitation (Kṣobha). A Sādhaka never wishes ill upon anyone. **Tyāga** – To turn away from the world is true Tyāga. A Sādhaka should have both external and internal renunciation in life. Renunciation of external sin, injustice, oppression, and internal renunciation of desires for worldly objects. **Shanti** – To be free from attachment (Rāga) and aversion (Dveṣa) in the inner consciousness (Antaḥkaraṇa) is called Shanti. **Aloluptva** – The mind's craving upon sensing objects through the senses or seeing others enjoy them is Loluptā (greed/covetousness). Its absence is called Aloluptva. **Mārdava** – Not having a feeling of harshness even towards those who cause sorrow without reason is natural gentleness. A Sādhaka's heart is gentle towards everyone. In any situation, one should behave with loving speech. **Hrī** – The hesitation felt in acting against scriptures (Śāstra) and society is called Hrī. A Sādhaka feels shame in doing wrong deeds. **Acāpala** – There should be no fickleness or haste in performing any work. Work done with a calm mind is more effective.