Bhagavad Gita · Verse 10.38
Chapter 10: Vibhuti Yoga (विभूतियोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
दण्डो दमयतामस्मि नीतिरस्मि जिगीषताम् । मौनं चैवास्मि गुह्यानां ज्ञानं ज्ञानवतामहम् ॥३८॥
daṇḍo damayatāmasmi nītirasmi jigīṣatām | maunaṃ caivāsmi guhyānāṃ jñānaṃ jñānavatāmaham ||38||
Complete Shloka Translation
I am the rod of those who discipline, wise policy among those seeking victory, silence concerning secrets and knowledge in the knowledgeable.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| नीतिः | nītiḥ | wise policy or strategy |
| मौनम् | maunam | silence |
| दण्डो | daṇḍo | [term] in context of I am the rod of those who disc... |
| दमयतामस्मि | damayatāmasmi | [term] in context of I am the rod of those who disc... |
| नीतिरस्मि | nītirasmi | [term] in context of I am the rod of those who disc... |
| जिगीषताम् | jigīṣatām | [term] in context of I am the rod of those who disc... |
| मौनं | maunaṃ | [term] in context of I am the rod of those who disc... |
| चैवास्मि | caivāsmi | [term] in context of I am the rod of those who disc... |
| गुह्यानां | guhyānāṃ | [term] in context of I am the rod of those who disc... |
| ज्ञानं | jñānaṃ | [term] in context of I am the rod of those who disc... |
| ज्ञानवतामहम् | jñānavatāmaham | [term] in context of I am the rod of those who disc... |
| ३८ | jñānavatāmaham | [term] in context of I am the rod of those who disc... |
wise policy or strategy
silence
[term] in context of I am the rod of those who disc...
[term] in context of I am the rod of those who disc...
[term] in context of I am the rod of those who disc...
[term] in context of I am the rod of those who disc...
[term] in context of I am the rod of those who disc...
[term] in context of I am the rod of those who disc...
[term] in context of I am the rod of those who disc...
[term] in context of I am the rod of those who disc...
[term] in context of I am the rod of those who disc...
[term] in context of I am the rod of those who disc...
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
The domains include discipline, strategy, confidentiality and knowledge. Danda is traditional disciplinary authority; its mention is not approval of arbitrary cruelty or coercion.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Use knowledge and authority with restraint and sound judgment."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
When is restraint the wise use of knowledge?
Modern Life Implementation (Practical Real-Life Application)
Apply this verse to recognize magnificence in daily life: whenever you encounter brilliance, kindness, creativity, or courage in anyone, recognize it as a reflection of the Divine Source, fostering humility and reverence.