Chapter 16, Verse 2
अहिंसा सत्यमक्रोधस्त्याग: शान्तिरपैशुनम् | दया भूतेष्वलोलुप्त्वं मार्दवं ह्रीरचापलम् ||
ahiṁsā satyam akrodhas tyāgaḥ śāntir apaiśunam | dayā bhūteṣv aloluptvaṁ mārdavaṁ hrīr acāpalam
"Non-violence, truthfulness, absence of anger, renunciation, peacefulness, absence of fault-finding, compassion toward all living beings, freedom from greed, gentleness, modesty, and lack of fickleness."
Key Insight:
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 16.2 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 16.2 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
Detailed Meaning
In this verse, Lord Krishna continues the list of 26 divine qualities (daivī sampad). These virtues are not just moral codes but spiritual tools. 'Ahiṁsā' is non-injury in thought, word, and deed. 'Satyam' is aligning speech with reality and the Absolute. 'Akrodha' is the mastery over the impulse of anger that arises from frustrated desire. 'Tyāga' is the renunciation of the sense of doership and ownership. 'Apaiśunam' is the refusal to criticize others, which keeps the mind pure. 'Aloluptvam' is contentment that conquers greed, while 'Acāpalam' is the steadiness of purpose that prevents distraction from one's spiritual goal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core message of Gita 16.2?
Non-violence, truthfulness, absence of anger, renunciation, peacefulness, absence of fault-finding, compassion toward all living beings, freedom from greed, gentleness, modesty, and lack of fickleness.