Gentleness

Names and terminology

Canonical name: Mārdava

Original term: Mārdava

Transliteration: Mārdava

Literal meaning

Act with gentleness while remaining capable of necessary firmness.

Broader interpretation

Act with gentleness while remaining capable of necessary firmness.

Historical context

This principle belongs to Bhagavad Gita's Twenty-Six Divine Qualities and must be read within that framework's setting.

Practical meaning

Act with gentleness while remaining capable of necessary firmness.

Ethical purpose

Act with gentleness while remaining capable of necessary firmness.

Exceptions and disputes

Translation and application vary; each quality should be applied with evidence, proportionality and attention to competing duties.

Variations across schools or traditions

Translations divide and render several Sanskrit terms differently; this catalogue follows the standard twenty-six-term enumeration.

Modern application

Act with gentleness while remaining capable of necessary firmness. Modern application should consider consent, evidence, proportionality, power and consequences.

Criticism and difficult cases

Translation and application vary; each quality should be applied with evidence, proportionality and attention to competing duties.

Truth By Reason analysis

Act with gentleness while remaining capable of necessary firmness. Application should preserve the ethical purpose while avoiding coercion, discrimination and preventable harm.

Ethical themes

• Compassion
• Human dignity

Sources

• Bhagavad Gita 16:1–3 — Divine Qualities Primary source