Bhagavad GitaBhagavad Gita 5.18
Chapter 5, verse 18: the Sanskrit, the Roman letters, the meaning and what it is used for.
विद्याविनयसंपन्ने ब्राह्मणे गवि हस्तिनि
शुनि चैव श्वपाके च पण्डिताः समदर्शिनः
vidyāvinayasaṃpanne brāhmaṇe gavi hastini
śuni caiva śvapāke ca paṇḍitāḥ samadarśinaḥ
Meaning
The wise see with an equal eye a learned and humble brahmin, a cow, an elephant, a dog and an outcaste.
Explanation
The verse lists beings of very different standing in the society of its time, and says that the wise do not see differences of worth between them. It is often quoted in discussions of equality and respect for all life. Readers should note that it speaks of how the wise see; it does not describe how any particular society behaves.
Where it fits
This is verse 18 of 29 in chapter 5, "Renunciation and action" (Karma Sannyasa Yoga). previous verse (5.17) · next verse (5.19)
Questions people ask
What does Bhagavad Gita 5.18 mean?
The wise see with an equal eye a learned and humble brahmin, a cow, an elephant, a dog and an outcaste.
Where is this verse?
It is verse 18 of chapter 5 (Renunciation and action), which has 29 verses.
Meanings and explanations are our own wording, not an authorised translation. Readers of the Gita follow different traditions and teachers; please ask yours about what you read here.