Chapter 5 Verse 18
Karm Sanyās Yog
विद्याविनयसंपन्ने ब्राह्मणे गवि हस्तिनि। शुनि चैव श्वपाके च पण्डिताः समदर्शिनः।।5.18।।
vidyā-vinaya-sampanne brāhmaṇe gavi hastini śhuni chaiva śhva-pāke cha paṇḍitāḥ sama-darśhinaḥ
Word Meanings
| vidyā | divine knowledge |
| vinaya | humbleness |
| sampanne | equipped with |
| brāhmaṇe | a Brahmin |
| gavi | a cow |
| hastini | an elephant |
| śhuni | a dog |
| cha | and |
| eva | certainly |
| śhva-pāke | a dog-eater |
| cha | and |
| paṇḍitāḥ | the learned |
| sama-darśhinaḥ | see with equal vision |
Translation
Sages look with an equal eye on a Brahmana endowed with learning and humility, on a cow, an elephant, a dog, and even an outcaste.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse teaches that a truly wise and humble person sees the same living being in everyone — a learned priest, a cow, an elephant, a dog, or someone shunned by society. Outer labels and social rank do not change the inner worth of a soul.
When knowledge is mixed with humility, judgment falls away and compassion grows. Wisdom helps us look beyond roles, behavior, and background to the shared life inside each being.
This equal vision leads to calm action and fair treatment. It is not just a thought but a way of living that removes pride and discrimination.
Life Application
- Treat people and animals with basic respect regardless of their status; small actions (kind words, a helping hand) reinforce equal regard.
- Practice humility: listen more, assume you might be wrong, and avoid judging others by their job, appearance, or past.
- Notice your reactions to different people; when you feel dislike or superiority, pause and remind yourself of common humanity.
Reflection Question
Who do I find hardest to treat as equal, and why?