Verse 5.18 : Karma Sanyasa Yoga "Path of Renunciation"
Verse 18 of 29
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The Translation
“The wise look with equal vision upon a learned and humble priest, a cow, an elephant, a dog, and a dog-eater (an outcast).”
Commentary & Insights
Krishna describes the ultimate vision of equanimity, explaining that a self-realized sage looks with an equal eye on a learned priest, a cow, an elephant, a dog, and an outcaste.
Practical Application
1
Practice equal respect today: treat everyone you meet (a server, a colleague, a family member) with the same level of politeness and dignity.
Reflections & Notes
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Self-Reflection Prompts
- Does equal vision (*samadarśinaḥ*) mean we treat a tiger, a dog, and a child exactly the same way physically? Or does it mean we respect their inner life equally while acting appropriately for each form?
- How does looking past social labels (like status, race, or wealth) help us build genuine empathy?
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5.18
विद्याविनयसम्पन्ने ब्राह्मणे गवि हस्तिनि
The sage sees the same non-dual Brahman residing in all these different bodies. The differences belong only to the material sheaths (Prakriti), such as Sattva in the Brahmana, Rajas in the elephant, and Tamas in the dog. The inner witness is untouched.