Responsibility — Lesson 13

Verses

Transliteration

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

ahiṁsā satyam akrodhas tyāgaḥ śāntir apaiśunam
dayā bhūteṣv aloluptvaṁ mārdavaṁ hrīr acāpalam

tejaḥ kṣamā dhṛtiḥ śaucam adroho nātimānitā
bhavanti sampadaṁ daivīm abhijātasya bhārata

Meaning

Fearlessness, purity of mind, commitment to knowledge, charity, self-control, discipline, study, and sincerity; non-violence, truthfulness, absence of anger, renunciation, calmness, absence of fault-finding, compassion, freedom from greed, gentleness, modesty, steadiness; strength, forgiveness, endurance, cleanliness, absence of hatred, and absence of arrogance — these are the qualities of a mature and responsible person.

Key Values

• abhayam — fearlessness
• śuddhi — purity
• satya — truthfulness
• ahiṁsā — non-violence
• dayā — compassion
• kṣamā — forgiveness
• śānti — calmness
• ārjavam — sincerity

Teaching

Responsibility is not only about action. It is also about the person who acts. These verses describe the inner qualities of a responsible individual. When these values are present, actions become naturally aligned and appropriate. Without these values, even correct actions can become harmful or ego-driven. Responsibility is therefore both external and internal.

Connection to Responsibility

Responsibility is supported by character. Right values guide right action. When values are clear, decisions become easier. This transforms responsibility from effort into natural expression.

Reflection

Which of these values are strong in me? Which ones need more attention for my actions to become more aligned?