śhamo damas tapaḥ śhauchaṁ kṣhāntir ārjavam eva cha
jñānaṁ vijñānam āstikyaṁ brahma-karma svabhāva-jam
śhamaḥ — tranquility;
damaḥ — restraint;
tapaḥ — austerity;
śhaucham — purity;
kṣhāntiḥ — patience;
ārjavam — integrity;
eva — certainly;
cha — and;
jñānam — knowledge;
vijñānam — wisdom;
āstikyam — belief in a hereafter;
brahma — of the priestly class;
karma — work;
svabhāva-jam — born of one’s intrinsic qualities
This verse talks about the special qualities that define a Brahmana, which is a respected group in society focused on knowledge and spirituality. It lists nine important traits:
1. **Peacefulness**: This means being calm and not easily disturbed. A peaceful person can handle stress better and contribute to a harmonious environment. For example, when faced with a problem, instead of getting angry or anxious, they take a deep breath and think things through.
2. **Self-Control**: This is the ability to manage one’s emotions and desires. It’s about not acting on impulse, like resisting junk food when trying to eat healthy or not losing your temper in a tough situation.
3. **Austerity**: This refers to living simply and practicing self-discipline. It can mean cutting back on luxuries to focus on what’s really important, like choosing to cook at home instead of eating out frequently, which saves money and promotes healthier eating.
4. **Purity**: Purity includes being clean inside and out. It involves keeping one’s body clean, as well as having a clear mind free from negative thoughts. For instance, being kind to others and having positive intentions can symbolize mental purity.
5. **Tolerance**: This is about being patient and accepting difficult situations without complaining. For example, if someone cuts you off in traffic, instead of getting angry, a tolerant person would stay calm and let it go, understanding that everyone makes mistakes.
6. **Honesty**: It means being truthful and acting with integrity. An honest person keeps their promises and does not deceive others, like being straightforward in conversations and not hiding the truth.
7. **Wisdom**: This is the ability to use knowledge wisely. Wisdom means understanding not just facts, but also how to apply them in everyday life. For instance, knowing the best way to handle a challenge rather than just having a lot of book knowledge.
8. **Knowledge**: This refers to the information and understanding one has, especially about spiritual matters. A knowledgeable person shares wisdom and helps others learn, whether it's about life, relationships, or moral values.
9. **Religiousness**: This is about having a deep commitment to spiritual beliefs and practices. It can reflect regular prayer, meditation, or following ethical guidelines that foster a connection with a higher power or the universe.
Together, these qualities help a Brahmana fulfill their responsibilities and live a life dedicated to learning and supporting others. Essentially, these traits ensure they contribute positively to society, helping people grow in knowledge and spirituality. Living by these qualities leads to a deeper understanding of life and fosters a peaceful community.