Chapter 18, Verse 43 (Bhagavad Gita 18.43)
Chapter 18: Mokṣha Sanyās Yog – Yoga through the Perfection of Renunciation and Surrender
Sanskrit Shloka
शौर्यं तेजो धृतिर्दाक्ष्यं युद्धे चाप्यपलायनम्।दानमीश्वरभावश्च क्षात्रं कर्म स्वभावजम्
Transliteration
śhauryaṁ tejo dhṛitir dākṣhyaṁ yuddhe chāpy apalāyanam dānam īśhvara-bhāvaśh cha kṣhātraṁ karma svabhāva-jam
Word Meanings
śhauryam—valor; tejaḥ—strength; dhṛitiḥ—fortitude; dākṣhyam yuddhe—skill in weaponry; cha—and; api—also; apalāyanam—not fleeing; dānam—large-heartedness; īśhvara—leadership; bhāvaḥ—qualities; cha—and; kṣhātram—of the warrior and administrative class; karma—work; svabhāva-jam—born of one’s intrinsic qualities
Translation
Heroism, splendor, firmness, dexterity, and not fleeing from battle, generosity, and lordliness are the duties of the Kshatriyas, born of their own nature.
Meaning & Commentary
In this verse, Bhagwan Shri Krishna delineates the intrinsic nature of the Kshatriya, explaining that one’s social and spiritual duty is an expression of their inherent gunas. By revealing this to Arjuna, Lord Krishna teaches that true alignment with the Divine occurs when an individual embraces their nature while dedicating its fruits to Him. The Kshatriya’s courage is not mere ego, but a divine manifestation of firmness and leadership meant to uphold Dharma. Ultimately, Shri Krishna invites the seeker to act in accordance with their soul’s natural inclination, transforming earthly duty into a sanctified offering toward liberation. Through this alignment, the seeker transcends the bondage of karma and moves closer to the Supreme.