FolioCorpusBhagavad-gītā

Bhagavad-gītā 18.43

शौर्यं तेजो धृतिर्दाक्ष्यं युद्धे चाप्यपलायनम् । दानमीश्वरभावश्च क्षात्रं कर्म स्वभावजम् ॥ ४३ ॥
śauryaṁ tejo dhṛtir dākṣyaṁ
[shauryam tejo dhritir daakshyam]
yuddhe cāpy apalāyanam
[yuddhe chaapy apalaayanam]
dānam īśvara-bhāvaś ca
[daanam eeshvara-bhaavash cha]
kṣātraṁ karma svabhāva-jam
[kshaatram karma svabhaava-jam]
Word-for-word
śauryam — heroism tejaḥ — power dhṛtiḥ — determination dākṣyam — resourcefulness yuddhe — in battle ca — and api — also apalāyanam — not fleeing dānam — generosity īśvara — of leadership bhāvaḥ — the nature ca — and kṣātram — of a kṣatriya karma — duty svabhāva - jam — born of his own nature .
Blended reading (Sanskrit + English inline)
śauryaṁ tejo dhṛtir dākṣyaṁ
śauryam
heroism
tejaḥ
power
dhṛtiḥ
determination
dākṣyam
resourcefulness
yuddhe cāpy apalāyanam
yuddhe
in battle
ca
and
api
also
apalāyanam
not fleeing
dānam īśvara-bhāvaś ca
dānam
generosity
īśvara
of leadership
bhāvaḥ
the nature
ca
and
kṣātraṁ karma svabhāva-jam
kṣātram
of a kṣatriya
karma
duty
svabhāva - jam
born of his own nature .
Important Words
  • śauryam — heroism
    Courage in the face of danger. First of the kṣatriya virtues. Not bravado — actual willingness to stand where the danger is.
  • tejaḥ — power, brilliance
    The radiant force that backs the heroism. Tejas is the inner fire that makes the kṣatriya visible across a battlefield even before he speaks.
  • dhṛtiḥ — determination
    Same word from the earlier dhṛti analysis (33-35). The kṣatriya's natural dhṛti is sāttvika when refined — unbroken, sustained, sense-controlling. War without dhṛti collapses into chaos.
  • dākṣyam — resourcefulness
    Cleverness in execution. The capacity to find the working angle in any situation. Distinguishes the strategic leader from the merely brave warrior.
  • apalāyanam — not fleeing
    Negative compound — *not running away*. The defining negative quality of the kṣatriya — refusal to leave the field. This is what Arjuna was about to do, and the very verse he is being instructed by names it as the failure of his own dharma.
  • dānam — generosity
    Especially in distributing the wealth of conquest. Kṣatriya wealth is not for hoarding; it flows outward. Without dāna, śauryam becomes mere predation.
  • bhāvaḥ — the nature, mood
    Used in the verse with īśvara — *the nature of a leader*. The quality of natural authority. Other men instinctively follow him. The capacity to govern — present in svabhāva, not learned at court.
Heroism, power, determination, resourcefulness, courage in battle, generosity and leadership are the natural qualities of work for the kṣatriyas.
Classical Sanskrit analysis शास्त्रीय विश्लेषण
How Sanskrit scholars read this verse — split, rearranged, grammar-tagged. For the plain English distilled meaning, jump to Plain meaning below.
Auto-generated study layers — original analysis of the public-domain śloka. Review against a published edition for academic work.
Plain meaning (तात्पर्य · Tātparya)
Seven traits define kṣātra-karma: courage in combat, blazing presence, grit, competence, refusal to retreat, philanthropy, capacity to lead. The kṣatriya is governing energy in action — and these are precisely the traits Arjuna is being asked to summon.
Further notes (विवरण · Vivaraṇa)
This list directly indicts Arjuna's first-chapter collapse: he is failing in śaurya, apalāyana, dhṛti, īśvara-bhāva. Listing the kṣatriya virtues here, near the chapter's end, is a deliberate mirror. Note that dāna and īśvara-bhāva pair rule with responsibility — power that does not give and does not lead is not kṣatriya at all.
Prose order (अन्वय · Anvaya)
शौर्यं तेजः धृतिः दाक्ष्यं युद्धे च अपि अपलायनं दानम् ईश्वर-भावः च — क्षात्रं कर्म स्वभाव-जम् ।
śauryaṃ tejaḥ dhṛtiḥ dākṣyaṃ yuddhe ca api apalāyanaṃ dānam īśvara-bhāvaḥ ca — kṣātraṃ karma svabhāva-jam |
Valor, splendor, determination, skill, non-fleeing in battle, generosity, sovereign mentality — these constitute the kṣatriya's nature-born work.
Word split (पदच्छेद · Padaccheda)
शौर्यं तेजः धृतिः दाक्ष्यं युद्धे च अपि अपलायनम् । दानम् ईश्वर-भावः च क्षात्रं कर्म स्वभाव-जम् ॥
śauryaṃ tejaḥ dhṛtiḥ dākṣyaṃ yuddhe ca api apalāyanam | dānam īśvara-bhāvaḥ ca kṣātraṃ karma svabhāva-jam ||
Grammar (व्याकरण · Vyākaraṇa)
SanskritIASTGrammarMeaning
शौर्यम् śauryam शौर्य (n.) nom.sg. (nominative singular) valor
तेजः tejaḥ तेजस् (n.) nom.sg. (nominative singular) splendor, energy
धृतिः dhṛtiḥ धृति (f.) nom.sg. (nominative singular) determination
दाक्ष्यम् dākṣyam दाक्ष्य (n.) nom.sg. (nominative singular) skill
युद्धे yuddhe युद्ध (n.) loc.sg. (locative singular) in battle
च ca ind. (indeclinable) and
अपि api ind. (indeclinable) even
अपलायनम् apalāyanam अप + √ली → अपलायन (n.) nom.sg. (nominative singular) non-fleeing
दानम् dānam दान (n.) nom.sg. (nominative singular) generosity
ईश्वर-भावः īśvara-bhāvaḥ tatpuruṣa cpd. (compound) nom.sg. (nominative singular)m. sovereign mindset
क्षात्रम् kṣātram क्षात्र (adj.) nom.sg. (nominative singular)n. kṣatriya
कर्म karma कर्मन् (n.) nom.sg. (nominative singular) work
स्वभाव-जम् svabhāva-jam tatpuruṣa cpd. (compound) nom.sg. (nominative singular)n. born of nature
Gauḍīya Ācāryas
Viśvanātha Cakravartī Ṭhākura Gauḍīya
Translation
43. The natural activities of the kṣatriya are courage, confidence, fortitude, expertise in fighting, not fleeing from battle, charity and controlling others.
Commentary

This verse describes the activities of the kṣatriya, in whom rajo-guṇa becomes prominent and sattva becomes secondary. Courage (śauryam), confidence (tejaḥ), fortitude (dhṛtiḥ), and controlling others (īśvara-bhāvaḥ), and not fleeing from battle are the activities of the kṣatriya.

Baladeva Vidyābhūṣaṇa Gauḍīya
Translation
43. The natural activities of the kṣatriya are courage, confidence, fortitude, expertise in completing his job, not fleeing from battle, charity and controlling others.
Commentary

This verse describes the activities of the kṣatriya. He is not afraid in battle (śauryam). He cannot be surprassed by others (tejaḥ). Even in times of great stress, his senses do not become fatigued (dhṛtiḥ). He is expert in accomplishing his tasks (dākṣyam). Even if his death is certain, he does not flee, turning his back to the enemy. Without restriction, he gives up his wealth (dānam). He shows powers of domination amongst those who should be controlled and transgress the law, for protection of the citizens (īśvara bhāvaḥ). These are the natural activities of the kṣatriya.

Study Notes — Gauranga Priya Dāsa
Gauranga Priya Dāsa Study
Bhakti-śāstrī Notes, ISKCON Chowpatty (2009)
Theme

COMMON THEME: Qualities of four varnas (Thus indicating to utilize your karmic propensities in the dutiful

service of the Lord)

Brahmanas (18.42): Nine qualities – Peacefulness, self-control, austerity, purity, tolerance, honesty, knowledge, wisdom and religiousness
Ksatriyas (18.43): Seven qualities – Heroism, power, determination, resourcefulness, courage in battle, generosity and leadership
Vaisyas (18.44): Three qualities – Farming, cow-protection and business
Sudras (18.44): One qualities – Labor and service to others
Classical Ācāryas
Śrī Śaṅkarācārya Classical
Translation
18.43 Svabhavajam, the natural; ksatra-karma, [A variant reading is ksatram karma.-Tr.] enjoined duties of the Ksatriyas, of the Ksatriya caste; are sauryam, heroism; tejah, boldness; dhrtih, fortitude, as is seen in the case of one who is not depressed under all circumstances, being sustained by doggedness; daksyam, capability engagement without confusion in duties which suddenly present them-selves; api ca, and also; apalayanam, not retreating; yuddhe, from battle, not fleeing from enemies; danam, generosity, being free in the distribution of gifts; isvarabhavah, lordliness, manifesting (exercising) rulership over those who have to be ruled.
Śrī Rāmānujācārya Classical
Translation
18.43 'Valour' is the ability of plunging into a battle without fear. 'Invincibility' is the capacity to remain undefeated by others. 'Steadiness' is the capacity to complete a work that has been started despite obstacles. 'Adroitness' is the ability in executing all works. 'Apalayana' is not fleeing in a battle though one is convinced of one's death. 'Generosity' is parting with one's own possessions to others even to its entirety. 'Lordliness' is the capacity to govern all others. This is the duty of a Ksatriya born of his inherent nature.
Śrī Abhinavagupta Classical
Translation
18.43 See Comment under 18.60
Swami Sivananda Classical
Translation
18.43 Prowess, splendour, firmness, dexterity and also not fleeing from battle, generosity and lordliness are the duties of the Kshatriyas, born of (their own) nature.
Commentary

18.43 शौर्यम् prowess? तेजः splendour? धृतः firmness? दाक्ष्यम् dexterity? युद्धे in battle? च and? अपि also? अपलायनम् not fleeing? दानम् generosity? ईश्वरभावः lordliness? च and? क्षात्रम् of Kshatriyas? कर्म action? स्वभावजम् born of nature.Commentary It is the first duty of Kshatriya (man of the warrior class or of royal blood) to be brave and chivalrous. Bravery is that sublime virtue through which one is naturally strong? vigorous and courageous. In the face of the most terrible calamity the mind will not be in the least perturbed. The Kshatriya is firm under any unfavourable or trying conditions or circumstances. He does not get the least depression of spirit even when he is in adverse circumstances. It is the skill by which the reason finds out its path amidst all untoward circumstances and eventually attains its goal. This is firmness? fortitude or courage.Dakshya Promptness He is able to decide rightly on the spot in matters that deman prompt attention doing without confusion? of duties which present themselves all of a sudden and demand prompt action.As the sunflower always turns its face towards the sun so does he always face his enemies. He will ever avoid turning his back to them on the field of battle. He is absolutely fearless. Just as a tree gives away its flowers and fruits freely to whoever desires them? as the jasmine sends out its sweet fragrace in every direction? so will a Kshatriya generously give to another whatever may be asked of him. His charity is boundless.Lordliness A Kshatriya king enjoys sovereignty over his subjects owing to the sure protection he grants them? exercises ruling power over his subjects who are to be ruled? and raises the rod of chastisement to punish the unrighteous or the wicked.

Swami Gambhīrānanda Classical
Translation
18.43 The natural duties of the Ksatriyas are heroism, boldness, fortitude, capability, and also not retreating from battle, generosity and lordliness.
Shri Purohit Swami Classical
Translation
18.43 Valour, glory, firmness, skill, generosity, steadiness in battle and ability to rule - these constitute the duty of a soldier. They flow from his own nature.
Related values & verses
Primary values
Dhriti (Resilience / Steadfastness / Fortitude)Dhairya (Composure / Courage)Saurya (Heroism / Bravery)Daksya (Resourcefulness / Skill)
Related values
Tyaga (Renunciation / Letting Go)Karuna (Kindness / Compassion)Ahimsa (Non-violence / Compassion)Tapas (Austerity / Discipline)Abhaya (Fearlessness)
Related verses
BG 2.31 BG 2.33 BG 2.37 SB 7.11.22 SB 1.12.24 SB 4.22.45 CC Madhya 20.388 CC Madhya 19.178 CC Ādi 13.56 Bṛhadāraṇyaka Upaniṣad 1.4.11Chāndogya Upaniṣad 5.11.5
Stories
arjuna_fire_test_middlesaurya_epic_primarysb_dhairya_primary
Concepts
Bhava
Study Q&A referencing this verse
Sciences essays referencing this verse
Related lectures
Personal Guidance
Kṣatriya qualities — heroism, power, determination, resourcefulness, courage, generosity, leadership.
Practical Applications
  • Cultivate kṣatriya qualities even if not a warrior — leadership and courage are universally needed.
  • Don't pretend the kṣatriya is no longer relevant.
  • Honor the kṣatriya within.
Reflection Questions
  • What kṣatriya quality is mine to cultivate?
  • Where does my context need it?
Analogy

The fortified hill that protects the valley, the lion's roar that scatters bandits, the open hand that distributes spoils to the wounded. The kṣatriya is precisely such a hill, such a roar, such a hand — strength curved around the welfare of others.

Stories
Bhīṣma at Kurukṣetra

Bhīṣma displayed every quality of this verse — śauryam in the field, tejaḥ in his radiance, dhṛti in his lifelong vows, dākṣyam in his strategic command, apalāyanam in never fleeing battle, dāna in his pre-war generosity, and the īśvara-bhāvaḥ of natural leadership.

Even on his bed of arrows he kept his bearing — instructing Yudhiṣṭhira on dharma. The verse names the kṣatriya-karma as svabhāva-jam, and Bhīṣma's nature was precisely such that even death-by-arrow did not break it.

📝 My note

Source: vedabase.io

← Read full Chapter 18