Guides · Fear · Courage · Growth

Bhagavad Gita 16.1

The first quality the Gita lists in a noble nature is fearlessness. Courage is the ground other virtues grow from.

Bhagavad Gita · Chapter 16, Verse 1

अभयं सत्त्वसंशुद्धिर्ज्ञानयोगव्यवस्थितिः।
दानं दमश्च यज्ञश्च स्वाध्यायस्तप आर्जवम्॥

abhayaṁ sattva-saṁśuddhir jñāna-yoga-vyavasthitiḥ
dānaṁ damaś ca yajñaś ca svādhyāyas tapa ārjavam

Translation

Fearlessness, purity of heart, steadfastness in knowledge and practice, generosity, self-restraint, sacrifice, study, discipline and straightforwardness —

हिन्दी भावार्थ

निर्भयता, अंतःकरण की शुद्धि, ज्ञान और योग में दृढ़ स्थिति, दान, इंद्रियों का संयम, यज्ञ, स्वाध्याय, तप और सरलता —

In simple words Interpretation

The first quality the Gita lists in a noble nature is fearlessness. Courage is the ground other virtues grow from.

Context

Chapter 16 opens with a list of 'divine qualities'. It begins with 'abhayam' — fearlessness.

When this may help

When you need courage to be honest, generous or true to yourself.

Reflection question

What would you do differently if you were just a little less afraid?

A small practice

Say one honest thing today that you've been holding back — kindly.

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