Shloka 18
अक्षरब्रह्मयोग (Akṣara-Brahma-Yoga) — Knowledge of the Imperishable, Prakṛti, and Devotion
विद्याविनयसम्पन्ने ब्राह्मणे गवि हस्तिनि । शुनि चैव श्वपाके च पण्डिता: समदर्शिन:,वे ज्ञानीजन विद्या और विनययुक्त ब्राह्मणमें तथा गौ, हाथी, कुत्ते और चाण्डालमें भी समदर्शी ही होते हैं?
vidyā-vinaya-sampanne brāhmaṇe gavi hastini | śuni caiva śvapāke ca paṇḍitāḥ sama-darśinaḥ ||
The wise perceive with equal vision a Brahmin endowed with learning and humility, a cow, an elephant, a dog, and even one who eats dog’s flesh (an outcaste). In ethical terms, true knowledge expresses itself as impartial regard for the same indwelling Self in all beings, beyond social rank or species.
अर्जुन उवाच
Educational Q&A
True wisdom is 'sama-darśana'—seeing the same inner Self in all beings—so one does not judge worth by caste, status, or species, but recognizes a shared spiritual essence.
In the midst of the larger Mahābhārata war setting, this teaching articulates an inner ethical vision: the truly learned are marked by humility and impartiality, extending equal regard from the most honored (a learned Brahmin) to the most marginalized (śvapāka), and across animals as well.