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Bhagavad Gita · 18.43 · Yoga through the Perfection of Renunciation and Surrender·43 of 78

शौर्यं तेजो धृतिर्दाक्ष्यं युद्धे चाप्यपलायनम्दानमीश्वरभावश्च क्षात्रं कर्म स्वभावजम्

śhauryaṁ tejo dhṛitir dākṣhyaṁ yuddhe chāpy apalāyanam

dānam īśhvara-bhāvaśh cha kṣhātraṁ karma svabhāva-jam

Sanskrit recitation

Honor your own dharma · 18.41–18.48 · Teaching

Translation

Prowess, splendor, firmness, dexterity, and not fleeing from battle, generosity, and lordliness are the duties of the Kshatriyas, born of their own nature.

Meaning

It is the first duty of Kshatriya (man of the warrior class or of royal blood) to be brave and chivalrous. Bravery is that sublime virtue through which one is naturally strong, vigorous and courageous. In the face of the most terrible calamity the mind will not be in the least perturbed. The Kshatriya is firm under any unfavourable or trying conditions or circumstances. He does not get the least depression of spirit even when he is in adverse circumstances. It is the skill by which the reason finds out its path amidst all untoward circumstances and eventually attains its goal. This is firmness, fortitude or courage.Dakshya Promptness He is able to decide rightly on the spot in matters that deman prompt attention doing without confusion, of duties which present themselves all of a sudden and demand prompt action.As the sunflower always turns its face towards the sun so does he always face his enemies. He will ever avoid turning his back to them on the field of battle. He is absolutely fearless. Just as a tree gives away its flowers and fruits freely to whoever desires them, as the jasmine sends out its sweet fragrace in every direction, so will a Kshatriya generously give to another whatever may be asked of him

After Swami Sivananda

Honor your own dharma· 18.41–18.48

Teachers usually read this idea across several verses together, one shared reflection covers the whole unit.

Word-by-word
api
also
cha
and
karma
work
dānam
large-heartedness
tejaḥ
strength
bhāvaḥ
qualities
īśhvara
leadership
śhauryam
valor
apalāyanam
not fleeing
dhṛitiḥ
fortitude
kṣhātram
of the warrior and administrative class
svabhāva-jam
born of one’s intrinsic qualities
dākṣhyam yuddhe
skill in weaponry

Related verses

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