अहिंसा समता तुष्टिस्तपो दानं यशोऽयशः। भवन्ति भावा भूतानां मत्त एव पृथग्विधाः।।10.5।।
ahiṃsā samatā tuṣṭiḥ tapo dānaṃ yaśo ’yaśaḥ | bhavanti bhāvā bhūtānāṃ matta eva pṛthak‑vidhāḥ
Translation
Non‑injury, equanimity, contentment, austerity, charity, fame and infamy – all these diverse dispositions of beings arise solely from Me.
Word Meanings
अहिंसा — non‑injury; समता — equanimity; तुष्टि — contentment; तपो — austerity; दानं — charity; यशोऽयशः — fame and infamy; भवन्ति — become; भावा — dispositions; भूतानां — of beings; मत्त — of Me; एव — indeed; पृथक् — separate; विधाः — kinds
Understanding the Verse
In this concise proclamation, Lord Krishna reveals the supreme source of every moral and psychological tendency that governs living beings. By enumerating the six primary qualities—non‑injury (ahiṃsā), equanimity (samatā), contentment (tuṣṭi), austerity (tapo), charity (dāna), and the dual aspects of reputation (yaśa) and disgrace (āśa)—the Divine emphasizes that these are not accidental or merely social constructs; they are emanations of His divine will.
The first attribute, ahiṃsā, denotes a conscious avoidance of harm. It is the cornerstone of ethical conduct, extending beyond physical non‑violence to include thoughts, words, and intentions. Krishna declares that even the purest desire to refrain from injury can be traced back to His presence, underscoring the idea that moral purity is a reflection of the divine nature.
Equanimity (samatā) follows, describing a balanced mind undisturbed by success or failure, pleasure or pain. In the battlefield of life, where extremes constantly arise, this steadiness is a direct gift from the Supreme, enabling individuals to act without attachment.
Contentment (tuṣṭi) represents satisfaction with what is, a state that dissolves endless cravings. This inner peace, according to Krishna, is another facet of His divine essence, showing that true happiness cannot be manufactured by external circumstances alone.
Austerity (tapo) is the disciplined effort to master the senses and refine character. Whether practiced as physical penance or as inner self‑control, tapo is infused with divine purpose, directing the seeker toward higher consciousness.
Charity (dāna) illustrates self‑less giving, the expansion of the heart beyond personal gain. By attributing this virtue to Himself, Krishna teaches that generosity is a manifestation of His boundless generosity toward creation.
Finally, fame and infamy (yaśa‑āśa) capture the dual outcomes of human actions. Both reputation and disgrace arise from the same source, showing that even the extremes of public perception are under His governance. This balances the moral spectrum, reminding devotees that every outcome, whether praised or condemned, ultimately reflects the Divine will.
When Krishna states, “bhavanti bhāvā bhūtānāṃ matta eva pṛthak‑vidhāḥ,” He affirms that all varied attitudes and behaviors—good or bad, noble or ignoble—are distinct expressions of the one supreme reality. Recognizing this truth empowers a seeker to cultivate virtues consciously, knowing they are aligning with the original divine current, and to transform shortcomings by surrendering to the source of all qualities.
