Bhagavad Gita Chapter 18, Verse 42

English Translation

The natural duties of the Brahmanas are the control of the internal and external organs, austerity, purity, forgiveness, straightforwardness, knowledge as also wisdom [Knowledge refers to the understanding of subjects presented by the scriptures; wisdom means making them matters of one's own experience.] and faith.

Detailed Commentary

18.42. Explanation -- *Śamaḥ* (Tranquility/Control of Mind) -- *Śama* is defined as the control of the mind, wherein the mind becomes amenable to being directed wherever one desires to focus it, and withdrawn from wherever one wishes to remove it. *Damaḥ* (Control of Senses) -- *Dama* is the subjugation of the senses, enabling one to perform desired actions with them and to withdraw them from any engagement as one wishes. *Tapaḥ* (Austerity) -- The Gītā describes the *tapas* (austerity) of the body, speech, and mind (17.14-16). Here, *tapas* signifies enduring hardship while steadfastly observing one's *Dharma*. *Śaucam* (Purity) -- *Śaucam* is the purification of the mind, intellect, senses, and body, along with adherence to purity in food, drink, and conduct. *Kṣāntiḥ* (Forbearance/Forgiveness) -- *Kṣānti* is the joyful forgiveness of one who insults or causes suffering, without imposing any punishment in return. *Ārjavam* (Straightforwardness/Integrity) -- *Ārjavam* is simplicity in body and speech, and the absence of deceit or guile in the mind. *Jñānam* (Knowledge) -- *Jñānam* is the study and comprehension of the Vedas, Śāstras, and historical accounts (*itihāsa*). *Vijñānam* (Realized Knowledge/Experiential Wisdom) -- *Vijñānam* is the experiential understanding of the principles of *Yajña* (ritual sacrifice). *Āstikyam* (Faith/Belief in the Divine) -- *Āstikyam* is faith in the Supreme Being (*Paramātma*), the Vedas, and similar sacred truths, and conviction in their veracity. *Brahma-karma svabhāvajam* (Actions born of Brāhmaṇa nature) -- These qualities—*śama*, *dama*, etc.—are inherent to the Brāhmaṇa, in which they experience no difficulty. For Brāhmaṇas, who are primarily endowed with *sattva-guṇa* (the quality of goodness), these attributes are natural. The four *varṇas* (social orders) were established based on inherent qualities (*guṇas*), which make various actions natural to them. Due to the predominance of *sattva-guṇa* in a Brāhmaṇa, *śama* and *dama* come naturally, and actions related to livelihood become secondary. In the Gītā, among the actions born of a Brāhmaṇa's nature, *śama* and *dama* are highlighted as principal. Connection -- Now, the inherent actions of a Kṣatriya will be described.