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Chapter 18 · The Perfection of Renunciation · 78 verses

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How to study this verse, in six steps

1Remember who is speaking. Kṛṣṇa is speaking. Take the verse as He directs.
2Say the verse and its words. Read the Sanskrit, then each word with its meaning.
3Read the translation as it is. Let the translation say what it says, without adding your own meaning.
4Read the purport. Hear the verse through the disciplic succession.
5Bring your own question. Ask: where does this verse meet my life, my trouble, my doubt?
6Act on it, remembering Kṛṣṇa. Carry one instruction into your work today.

Read the full guide: how to read the Bhagavad-gītā ›

Duty & actionChapter 18 · The Perfection of Renunciation

18.41 18.43

Bhagavad-gītā As It Is · Text 18.42

Natural duties and perfection through work

Karma · Action

शमो दमस्तप: शौचं क्षान्तिरार्जवमेव च ।

ज्ञानं विज्ञानमास्तिक्यं ब्रह्मकर्म स्वभावजम् ॥ ४२ ॥

śamo damas tapaḥ śaucaṁ

kṣāntir ārjavam eva ca

jñānaṁ vijñānam āstikyaṁ

brahma-karma svabhāva-jam

Translation

Peacefulness, self-control, austerity, purity, tolerance, honesty, knowledge, wisdom and religiousness – these are the natural qualities by which the brāhmaṇas work.

Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport on Vedabase.io

Understand it

What this verse is saying, and where it sits in the story.

3 study points

Natural Qualities of Brāhmaṇas

1
Brāhmaṇas work according to their natural qualities.
2
These include peacefulness, self-control, austerity, purity, tolerance and honesty.
3
Knowledge, wisdom and religiousness are also among their natural qualities.

Key points from the purport

These notes cover verses 18.41–44

Qualities of four varnas (Thus indicating to utilize your karmic propensities in the dutiful service of the Lord)

Brahmanas (18.42): Nine qualities – Peacefulness, self-control, austerity, purity, tolerance, honesty, knowledge, wisdom and religiousness

Ksatriyas (18.43): Seven qualities – Heroism, power, determination, resourcefulness, courage in battle, generosity and leadership

Vaisyas (18.44): Three qualities – Farming, cow-protection and business

Sudras (18.44): One qualities – Labor and service to others

Freedom From Reaction By Occupational Work

All work is controlled by the modes, yet one can become free from the reactions of work by acting as brahmana, ksatriya, vaisya or sudra in Niskama karma yoga while worshipping the Lord through that work

Chapter 18, section IV: Freedom From Reaction By Occupational Work