Bhagavad Gita 13.8 — Amanitvam Adambhitvam Ahimsa
श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता 13.8 — अमानित्वमदम्भित्वमहिंसा
Also known as: amanitvam adambhitvam · bhagavad gita 13.8 · gita chapter 13 verse 8 · virtues of knowledge gita · amanitvam shloka
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✦ Meaning
In the chapter distinguishing the field and its knower, Krishna begins a famous list of the virtues that together constitute true knowledge (jnana). This verse names humility, unpretentiousness, non-violence, forgiveness, uprightness, service to the teacher, purity, steadfastness and self-control as the very means and marks of wisdom.
Origin & Story
Bhagavad Gita Chapter 13, Verse 8 · Bhagavan Sri Krishna (as recorded by Maharishi Veda Vyasa) · Ancient (part of the Mahabharata, c. 5th–2nd century BCE in present form)
In Chapter 13, Krishna draws the great distinction between the kshetra (the field, the body and nature) and the kshetrajna (the knower, the soul). Before describing the knowable Supreme, He defines knowledge itself not as theory but as a list of virtues, of which this verse is the opening. Vedantic teachers cherish this passage as a practical syllabus of spiritual character.
✦ As told in scripture
Sages teach that one who steadily cultivates the virtues of this verse finds knowledge dawning of its own accord; the humility and self-control it prescribes are said to purify the heart until the Self shines forth unobstructed.
The Mantra
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अमानित्वमदम्भित्वमहिंसा क्षान्तिरार्जवम्।आचार्योपासनं शौचं स्थैर्यमात्मविनिग्रहः॥
amānitvam adambhitvam ahinsā kṣhāntir ārjavam āchāryopāsanaṁ śhauchaṁ sthairyam ātma-vinigrahaḥ
Meaning:Humility, unpretentiousness, non-injury, forgiveness, uprightness, service to the teacher, purity, steadfastness, and self-control.
Word-by-Word Meaning
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Benefits of Chanting Bhagavad Gita 13.8 — Amanitvam Adambhitvam Ahimsa
Lists the foundational virtues that constitute true knowledge (jnana)
Cultivates humility (amanitva) and freedom from hypocrisy (adambhitva)
Establishes non-violence, forgiveness and uprightness in conduct
Encourages reverence and service to the spiritual teacher (acharya)
Develops purity, steadfastness and self-control
A complete daily check-list for character and spiritual growth
How to Chant Bhagavad Gita 13.8 — Amanitvam Adambhitvam Ahimsa
Recite the verse slowly and dwell on each virtue in turn — humility, sincerity, non-violence, forgiveness, uprightness, devotion to the teacher, purity, steadiness, self-control. Use it as a daily mirror to examine your conduct and gently strengthen whichever quality is weakest, for Krishna calls these very virtues 'knowledge'.
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