Bhagavad Gita 5.18 — The Equal Vision of the Wise
विद्याविनयसम्पन्ने ब्राह्मणे गवि हस्तिनि ।
शुनि चैव श्वपाके च पण्डिताः समदर्शिनः ॥ ५.१८ ॥
The truly wise see the same divine Self present in a humble and learned brāhmaṇa, a cow, an elephant, a dog, and even an outcaste. Because they perceive the underlying spiritual reality rather than external differences, they regard all beings with equal vision.
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| vidyāvinayasampanne | endowed with learning and humility |
| brāhmaṇe | in a brāhmaṇa |
| gavi | in a cow |
| hastini | in an elephant |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| śuni | in a dog |
| ca | and |
| eva | indeed |
| śvapāke | in an outcaste who eats dog flesh |
| ca | also |
| paṇḍitāḥ | the wise |
| samadarśinaḥ | see all with equal vision |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| vidyāvinayasampanne | endowed with learning and humility | śuni | in a dog |
| brāhmaṇe | in a brāhmaṇa | ca | and |
| gavi | in a cow | eva | indeed |
| hastini | in an elephant | śvapāke | in an outcaste who eats dog flesh |
| ca | also | ||
| paṇḍitāḥ | the wise | ||
| samadarśinaḥ | see all with equal vision | ||
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
In this verse, Lord Krishna describes the vision of the wise person who sees beyond all external differences and recognizes the same Divine Consciousness in every living being.
Essence
The wisdom of equal vision
Here, Lord Krishna reveals one of the clearest signs of true Self-realization. A genuinely wise person does not judge others by appearance, social status, education, or species.
Vidyā-vinaya-sampanne brāhmaṇe: A learned and humble brāhmaṇa is traditionally regarded as highly respected in society because of both knowledge and humility.
Gavi hastini: A cow and an elephant differ greatly in form, nature, and function, yet the same Divine Consciousness exists within both.
Śuni caiva śvapāke ca: A dog and a person considered socially inferior may appear vastly different according to worldly standards, but the wise see beyond such distinctions.
Samadarśinaḥ: The realized person recognizes the one Self present in every being. While acknowledging outward differences in roles and forms, they remain firmly established in the deeper truth that the same Divine Reality shines equally in all.
This equality does not mean treating every individual identically in practical situations. Rather, it is a spiritual vision that sees the same inner essence beyond all external diversity.
Message for our lives
This verse encourages us to rise above prejudice, discrimination, and ego.
Looking beyond external identity: We often evaluate people based on wealth, education, status, profession, or background. The Gita teaches us to recognize the same sacred consciousness within every individual.
Respect and compassion: As this vision develops, respect, kindness, fairness, and compassion arise naturally. We begin to relate to others not merely through their outward identity, but through the shared Divine essence that unites all life.
Next Topic
As the seeker develops this equal vision toward all beings, the mind itself becomes established in perfect equanimity. In the next verse, Lord Krishna explains how such even-mindedness enables a person to attain freedom even while living in this world.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
Wisdom sees the same light shining through different forms.
Outer differences fade when inner unity is recognized.
The heart expands when separation decreases.
True learning reduces prejudice.
Every being deserves dignity because the same consciousness lives within.
The enlightened see essence beyond appearance.
Broad vision is a sign of inner maturity.