Verse 18.42 : Moksha Sanyasa Yoga "Liberation and Renunciation"
Verse 42 of 78
“
The Translation
“Serenity, self-control, austerity, purity, forgiveness, straightforwardness, knowledge, realization, and faith in the Divine—these constitute the natural duty of a Brahmin.”
Commentary & Insights
Krishna defines the temperament of a Brahmin—the thinker, teacher, and spiritual guide. In Vedic society, these individuals were responsible for preserving knowledge and maintaining ethical standards, requiring a high level of personal purity and self-discipline.
Practical Application
1
Cultivate serenity and truthfulness in your daily interactions, acting as a source of calm and wisdom for those around you.
Reflections & Notes
Saved to browser
Self-Reflection Prompts
- Why are virtues like forgiveness (kṣānti) and self-control (dama) considered the 'natural duty' of an intellectual or teacher?
- If a person born in a Brahmin family lacks these nine qualities, can they still be called a true Brahmin according to this verse?
Have you finished this lesson?
Mark this verse as studied to track your progress and see your learning journey on the dashboard.
18.42
शमो दमस्तपः शौचं क्षान्तिरार्जवमेव च
Shankara comments that these duties are 'svabhāva-jam' because they are natural expressions of a mind dominated by Sattva. A Brahmin must protect and teach spiritual knowledge, which is impossible without mental control (śama) and direct realization (vijñāna). This is their natural contribution to society.