श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता 13.8 — अमानित्वमदम्भित्वमहिंसा — Word-by-Word Meaning
श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता 13.8 — अमानित्वमदम्भित्वमहिंसा
Every Sanskrit word explained in English
Word-by-Word Breakdown
अमानित्वम्
amānitvam
humbleness, absence of pride
अदम्भित्वम्
adambhitvam
freedom from hypocrisy, unpretentiousness
अहिंसा
ahinsā
non-violence, non-injury
क्षान्तिः
kṣhāntiḥ
forgiveness, patience
आर्जवम्
ārjavam
simplicity, uprightness
आचार्योपासनम्
āchārya-upāsanam
service of the Guru, reverence to the teacher
शौचम्
śhaucham
cleanliness of body and mind, purity
स्थैर्यम्
sthairyam
steadfastness, firmness
आत्मविनिग्रहः
ātma-vinigrahaḥ
self-control
Complete Translation
अमानित्व, अदम्भित्व, अहिंसा, क्षमा, आर्जव, आचार्य की सेवा, शुद्धि, स्थिरता और आत्मसंयम।।
Origin & History
Source: Bhagavad Gita Chapter 13, Verse 8
Author: Bhagavan Sri Krishna (as recorded by Maharishi Veda Vyasa)
Period: 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Krishna call these virtues knowledge?▼
In Bhagavad Gita 13.8 Krishna teaches that true knowledge (jnana) is not mere information but a transformed character. Humility, non-violence, purity, self-control and the other virtues are the means to wisdom and the natural expression of one who truly knows.
What is amanitva?▼
Amanitva is humility — the absence of self-importance and the craving to be honoured. Krishna places it first because pride is the greatest obstacle to wisdom, and humility is the soil in which knowledge grows.
How long is this list of virtues?▼
It begins here in verse 13.8 and continues through several verses (to 13.12), enumerating around twenty qualities such as detachment, evenness of mind and unswerving devotion. This verse opens that celebrated catalogue of wisdom.
How can I practise this verse?▼
Treat the nine qualities named here as a daily discipline. Choose one to cultivate consciously each week — for example forgiveness (kshanti) or self-control (atma-vinigraha) — and let the whole verse guide the steady refinement of character.
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