Item 9 in Bhagavad Gita's Twenty-Six Divine Qualities

Straightforwardness

Be sincere, direct and free from deceitful crookedness.

Position
9
Form
Mixed formulation
Obligation
Context-dependent
Wording status
Translation
Intended audience
Readers and practitioners cultivating disciplined and liberating character
Last reviewed
28 June 2027

Names and terminology

Canonical name: Ārjava

Original term: Ārjava

Transliteration: Ārjava

Source wording

<p>Be sincere, direct and free from deceitful crookedness.</p><p><em>Editorial paraphrase; consult the linked source for full wording and context.</em></p>

Translation

Literal meaning

Be sincere, direct and free from deceitful crookedness.

Broader interpretation

Be sincere, direct and free from deceitful crookedness.

Historical context

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

Practical meaning

Be sincere, direct and free from deceitful crookedness.

Ethical purpose

Be sincere, direct and free from deceitful crookedness.

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

Be sincere, direct and free from deceitful crookedness. 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

Be sincere, direct and free from deceitful crookedness. Application should preserve the ethical purpose while avoiding coercion, discrimination and preventable harm.

Ethical themes

  • Honesty
  • Truth-seeking

Sources