
13
CHAPTER
VERSE
8
अमानित्वमदम्भित्वमहिंसा क्षान्तिरार्जवम् |
आचार्योपासनं शौचं स्थैर्यमात्मविनिग्रह: || 13.8 ||
Amānitvam adambhitvam ahiṁsā kṣhāntirārjavam |
Ācāryopāsanaṁ śaucaṁ sthairyam ātma-vinigrahaḥ ||
Humility, pridelessness, non-violence, tolerance, simplicity, approaching a bona fide spiritual master, cleanliness, steadiness, and self-control.
Lesson:
In this verse, Krishna highlights the qualities of a spiritually evolved individual. He enumerates nine virtues that are essential for one's spiritual progress and self-realization.
The first quality mentioned is "amānitvam" which signifies humility. A humble person doesn't seek recognition or praise for their actions but instead remains modest and respectful towards others. Humility fosters harmony and fosters a sense of equality among individuals.
Next, Krishna mentions "adambhitvam" which translates to pridelessness. It implies the absence of arrogance or vanity. A spiritually evolved person doesn't boast about their achievements or belittle others but remains free from the shackles of ego.
"Ahimsa" or non-violence is another crucial virtue emphasized by Krishna. Non-violence entails refraining from causing harm or injury to any living being, both physically and emotionally. It promotes compassion, empathy, and peaceful coexistence with all creatures.
Krishna then highlights "kshanti" which means tolerance or forbearance. Tolerance enables one to endure hardships, adversity, and criticism with patience and resilience. It cultivates inner strength and fosters harmonious relationships with others.
"Aarjavam" refers to simplicity and straightforwardness. It denotes honesty, sincerity, and transparency in one's thoughts, words, and actions. A spiritually evolved person lives a life of simplicity, free from duplicity or deceit.
Krishna also mentions the importance of "ācāryopāsanaṁ" or approaching a bona fide spiritual master. Seeking guidance from a qualified spiritual teacher is crucial for one's spiritual growth and understanding. A Guru imparts wisdom, dispels ignorance, and guides the disciple on the path of self-realization.
"Śaucaṁ" signifies cleanliness, both externally and internally. It involves maintaining physical hygiene as well as purity of mind and heart. Cleanliness promotes clarity of thought, enhances concentration, and creates a conducive environment for spiritual practice.
"Stairyam" refers to steadiness or stability. A spiritually evolved person remains firm and unwavering in their resolve, unaffected by the fluctuations of external circumstances or emotions. Steadiness fosters inner peace and mental equilibrium.
Lastly, Krishna mentions "ātma-vinigrahaḥ" which means self-control or mastery over oneself. It involves regulating one's desires, emotions, and senses, and channelling them towards spiritual progress. Self-control leads to inner strength, freedom from attachment, and mastery over the mind.
In essence, this verse encapsulates the qualities that foster spiritual growth and self-realization. By cultivating humility, pridelessness, non-violence, tolerance, simplicity, seeking guidance from a spiritual master, cleanliness, steadiness, and self-control, one can progress on the path of spiritual evolution and attain liberation from the cycle of birth and death.