Division Between the Divine and the Demoniacal - 16 - 02

The Shloka

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अहिंसा सत्यमक्रोधस्त्यागः शान्तिरपैशुनम् ।

दया भूतेष्वलोलुप्त्वं मार्दवं ह्रीरचापलम् ॥

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ahiṁsā satyamakrodhastyāgaḥ śāntirapaiśunam।

dayā bhūteṣvaloluptvaṁ mārdavaṁ hrīracāpalam ॥

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Meaning / Summary

This shloka is significant because it outlines the virtues that cultivate a divine nature, leading to spiritual growth and liberation. These qualities are not just ethical guidelines but are essential for inner transformation and realizing one’s true self. By embodying these virtues, individuals can purify their minds, overcome negative tendencies, and attain lasting happiness and fulfillment. These qualities are considered pathways to self-realization and union with the Divine.

Non-violence, truthfulness, freedom from anger, renunciation, peacefulness, abstaining from faultfinding, compassion towards all beings, freedom from covetousness, gentleness, modesty, and absence of fickleness.

This shloka lists several divine qualities, including non-violence, truthfulness, absence of anger, renunciation, peacefulness, abstaining from malicious talk, compassion, lack of greed, gentleness, humility, and steadiness.

This verse elaborates on the divine qualities that are characteristic of those inclined towards a righteous path. It lists virtues such as non-violence (ahimsa), emphasizing the avoidance of causing harm to any living being through thought, word, or deed. Truthfulness (satyam) highlights the importance of honesty and integrity in all aspects of life. Freedom from anger (akrodha) indicates the ability to control one’s temper and maintain composure even in challenging situations. Renunciation (tyaga) signifies detachment from material possessions and selfish desires. Peacefulness (shanti) represents inner tranquility and harmony. Abstaining from faultfinding (apaishunam) encourages focusing on the positive qualities of others rather than dwelling on their shortcomings. Compassion towards all beings (daya bhuteshu) signifies empathy and kindness towards every living creature. Freedom from covetousness (aloluptvam) highlights the importance of contentment and avoiding greed for what belongs to others. Gentleness (mardavam) signifies a mild and compassionate nature. Modesty (hrih) implies humility and a lack of arrogance. Absence of fickleness (achapalam) denotes steadiness of mind and purpose, avoiding impulsive actions and decisions.

Sentence - 1

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अहिंसा सत्यमक्रोधः

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Meaning

Non-violence, truthfulness, freedom from anger,

Meaning of Words

अहिंसा	ahiṁsā
Non-violence The principle of avoiding harm to any living being, not just physically, but also mentally and emotionally. It includes kindness, compassion, and respect for all life.
सत्यम्	satyam
Truthfulness Speaking and acting according to what is real and honest. It signifies integrity and being genuine in thoughts, words, and deeds. It’s not merely avoiding lies, but also representing reality accurately and fairly.
अक्रोधः	akrodhaḥ
Freedom from anger The absence of anger or the ability to control one’s anger. It signifies patience, tolerance, and equanimity in the face of provocation or adversity. It involves understanding and managing emotions rather than suppressing them.

Sentence - 2

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त्यागः शान्तिरपैशुनम् ।

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Meaning

Renunciation, peacefulness, abstaining from faultfinding,

Meaning of Words

त्यागः	tyāgaḥ
Renunciation Detachment from material possessions and selfish desires. It’s not necessarily about abandoning worldly life, but rather about not being attached to the fruits of one’s actions and offering them to a higher power or cause. It implies a spirit of sacrifice and selflessness.
शान्तिः	śāntiḥ
Peacefulness Inner tranquility and harmony. A state of mind that is free from disturbance, anxiety, and conflict. It arises from self-control, detachment, and a connection to something greater than oneself.
अपैशुनम्	apaiśunam
Abstaining from faultfinding Refraining from malicious talk, gossiping, or criticizing others behind their backs. It involves focusing on the positive qualities of others and avoiding the spreading of negativity or discord.

Sentence - 3

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दया भूतेष्वलोलुप्त्वं

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Meaning

Compassion towards all beings, freedom from covetousness,

Meaning of Words

दया	dayā
Compassion Empathy and kindness towards all living creatures. It involves understanding the suffering of others and feeling motivated to alleviate it.
भूतेषु	bhūteṣu
Towards all beings Refers to all living entities, emphasizing the universality of compassion.
अलोलुप्त्वं	aloluptvaṁ
Freedom from covetousness The absence of greed or envy for what belongs to others. It signifies contentment and satisfaction with what one has.

Sentence - 4

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मार्दवं ह्रीरचापलम् ॥

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Meaning

Gentleness, modesty, and absence of fickleness.

Meaning of Words

मार्दवं	mārdavaṁ
Gentleness A mild and compassionate nature. It involves being kind, tender, and considerate in one’s interactions with others.
ह्रीः	hrīḥ
Modesty Humility and a lack of arrogance. It signifies being aware of one’s limitations and avoiding boastfulness or pride.
अचापलम्	achāpalam
Absence of fickleness Steadiness of mind and purpose, avoiding impulsive actions and decisions. It signifies stability and reliability.

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