Bhagavad Gita Chapter 18, Verse 42 (BG 18.42) — Meaning, Translation & Commentary

18.42 शमः serenity? दमः selfrestraint? तपः austerity? शौचम् purity? क्षान्तिः forgiveness? आर्जवम् uprightness? एव even? च and? ज्ञानम् knowledge? विज्ञानम् realisation? आस्तिक्यम् belief in God? ब्रह्मकर्म (are) the duties of Brahmanas? स्वभावजम् born of nature.Commentary Sama is control of the mind. Dama is control of the senses. Serenity and selfrestraint have already been explained in XVII.2. Austerity of the three kinds has also been explained in XVII.14 to 16.Astikyam Faith in the words of the Guru? in the teachings of the scriptures? in the existence of God? in the life beyond or hereafter and in ones own Self.The mind is absorbed in the Self. This gives peace. Selfrestraint is the helpmate of peace. In obeying the inunctions of the scriptures alone you will attain peace and spiritual progress. You must not argue too much. You must have reverence for and faith in the teaching.As the sandalwood tree is fragrant with its own sweet scent? as a Champaka tree is adorned by its lovely flowers? so also a Brahmana is adorned by these nine virtues which are inseparable from him.Now? O Arjuna? listen to the duties of a Kshatriya.

In this verse, the duties of the Brahmin, who is endowed with the qualities of sattva, are presented. Although the word "karma" is used here, this list contains only a reference to inner qualities. The intention is that the Brahmin's duty is to cultivate these qualities within oneself and develop firm dedication to them. These qualities should become his natural characteristics. **Shama** — This means restraint of the mind. The regulation of the mind's tendency toward sense objects is called shama. **Dama** — The restraint of the sense organs that receive sense objects and the action organs that express reactions is called dama. **Tapa** — In the previous chapter, the austerities of body, speech, and mind were described. Through the practice of austerity, the wastage of our vital energies is prevented. The energy thus conserved can be properly utilized in the practice of self-development. **Shaucha** — Purity of the external environment, one's clothing, body, and mind is called shaucha. The Brahmin should remain constantly vigilant regarding cleanliness. **Kshanti** — This means forgiveness. To forgive someone even when they commit an offense or misbehave is kshanti. Such a person will harbor no enmity toward anyone and will live with equanimity toward all. **Arjava** — The simplicity and sincerity of heart is called arjava. Because of this straightforwardness, a person becomes fearless. In living by higher values of life, he never compromises with lower standards of living. Through these six qualities beginning with shama, the conduct and behavior of the Brahmin in the world is clarified. In the second line, his spiritual life is depicted. **Jnana** — This word here refers to knowledge of the scriptures. It includes the principles of scripture, the material world, the instruments through which the world is experienced and their nature and functions, the goal of life, and such theoretical knowledge. **Vijnana** — Direct experience of the Self-knowledge expounded in the Upanishads is called vijnana. Knowledge can be taught, but vijnana cannot. The experience of the Self, which is self-evident, cannot be given by another person. For this, the Brahmin must make the effort himself. **Astikya** — Without faith in the Vedantic authority, the conviction in the goal taught therein cannot arise, and without this conviction, there can be no inclination to perform any of the aforementioned duties. Therefore, this faith is essential. Through faith, knowledge can be obtained, and thereafter, through knowledge, direct realization can be attained. To cultivate the qualities mentioned in this verse is the duty of the Brahmin. The Lord further says—