Bhagavad Gita · Chapter 5 · Karma Sannyasa Yoga
Bhagavad Gita 5.18 विद्याविनयसम्पन्ने ब्राह्मणे गवि हस्तिनि
श्लोक 5.18
विद्याविनयसम्पन्ने ब्राह्मणे गवि हस्तिनि ।
शुनि चैव श्वपाके च पण्डिताः समदर्शिनः ॥
vidyāvinayasampanne brāhmaṇe gavi hastini |
śuni caiva śvapāke ca paṇḍitāḥ samadarśinaḥ ||
हिन्दी अर्थ
ज्ञानीजन विद्या और विनय से युक्त ब्राह्मण, गाय, हाथी, कुत्ते और चाण्डाल — सबको समान दृष्टि से देखते हैं।
Meaning in English
The wise look with an equal eye upon a learned and humble Brahmin, a cow, an elephant, a dog and even one who eats dog-flesh (an outcaste).
Bhagavad Gita 5.18 — word by word
| Word | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| विद्याविनयसम्पन्ने | vidyā-vinaya-sampanne | endowed with learning and humility |
| ब्राह्मणे | brāhmaṇe | in a brahmin |
| गवि | gavi | in a cow |
| हस्तिनि | hastini | in an elephant |
| शुनि | śuni | in a dog |
| च एव | ca eva | and also |
| श्वपाके | śvapāke | in one treated as an outcaste |
| पण्डिताः | paṇḍitāḥ | the wise |
| समदर्शिनः | sama-darśinaḥ | see with an equal eye |
Explanation
The wise look with an equal eye on a learned and humble brahmin, a cow, an elephant, a dog and one treated as an outcaste.
The verse does not deny differences of conduct or role; it says the wise see the same Self in every being. The list deliberately spans the most honoured and the most shunned of that society, which makes it one of the Gita's strongest statements against contempt for any living being.
भावार्थ
ज्ञानी पुरुष विद्या और विनय से सम्पन्न ब्राह्मण, गाय, हाथी, कुत्ते और चाण्डाल — सबमें समान दृष्टि रखते हैं, अर्थात सबमें एक ही आत्मा देखते हैं।
Living it today
Treat the person who serves your tea with the same respect you give your most honoured guest.
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of Bhagavad Gita 5.18?
The wise look with an equal eye on a learned and humble brahmin, a cow, an elephant, a dog and one treated as an outcaste.
Who speaks Bhagavad Gita 5.18?
Sri Krishna speaks this verse, in Chapter 5 (Karma Sannyasa Yoga) of the Bhagavad Gita.
How can I apply Bhagavad Gita 5.18 in daily life?
Treat the person who serves your tea with the same respect you give your most honoured guest.
Reflected on verse 5.18?
Light a diya, add a note, or share this verse.