Bhagavad Gita 5.18

 

Bhagavad Gita 5.18: The Vision of Equality

Sanskrit Verse:

विद्याविनयसम्पन्ने ब्राह्मणे गवि हस्तिनि |
शुनि चैव श्वपाके च पण्डिताः समदर्शिनः || ५.१८ ||

Transliteration:

vidyā-vinaya-sampanne brāhmaṇe gavi hastini |
śuni caiva śvapāke ca paṇḍitāḥ sama-darśinaḥ || 5.18 ||

Translation:

A wise person, endowed with true knowledge and humility, sees no difference between a learned and humble Brahmin, a cow, an elephant, a dog, and an outcast (one who eats dog’s flesh).

सच्चे ज्ञान और विनम्रता से संपन्न एक बुद्धिमान व्यक्ति विद्वान और विनम्र ब्राह्मण, गाय, हाथी, कुत्ते और बहिष्कृत (कुत्ते का मांस खाने वाले) के बीच कोई अंतर नहीं देखता है।

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Explanation and Interpretation

This verse from the Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 5 (Sannyasa Yoga), emphasizes the vision of equality (Samadarshana). Lord Krishna teaches that a truly wise person does not discriminate based on external appearances, social status, or species. Instead, they recognize the divine essence (Atman) in all living beings.

Key Themes in the Verse

1. True Knowledge (Vidyā-Vinaya):

   • The verse begins by describing a person with "vidyā-vinaya-sampanna"—someone who possesses both knowledge (vidyā) and humility (vinaya).

   • True wisdom is not just about accumulating information but also about cultivating humility and respect for all beings.

2. Universal Equality (Samadarshana):

   • The verse lists different beings:

     • A learned Brahmin (representing knowledge and religious status)

     • A cow (sacred in Hindu culture)

     • An elephant (symbolizing power and wealth)

     • A dog (considered lowly in society)

     • A dog-eater or outcast (historically marginalized in society)

   • Despite their different societal roles, a wise person sees them all as equal because they all contain the same divine consciousness (Brahman).

3. Beyond Social Discrimination:

   • This verse challenges rigid social hierarchies and promotes spiritual unity.

   • Krishna teaches that wisdom lies in seeing beyond material distinctions and recognizing the eternal soul in everyone.

   • In today’s world, this message applies to removing biases based on caste, race, religion, nationality, or economic status.

4. Path to Enlightenment:

• The vision of equality (Samadarshana) leads to inner peace and liberation (Moksha).

• Attachment to external identities causes division and suffering, but recognizing the oneness in all beings leads to true wisdom and detachment.

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Practical Application in Life

• Respect for All: Treat every individual with dignity, irrespective of their background.

• Overcoming Prejudices: Move beyond superficial differences and cultivate a mindset of unity.

• Spiritual Awareness: Recognize that all beings are manifestations of the divine.

• Compassion and Humility: Develop kindness towards all, realizing that social or material differences are temporary.

This verse serves as a timeless lesson on equality, wisdom, and humility—values that remain crucial in personal growth and spiritual evolution.