Item 7 in Bhagavad Gita's Twenty-Six Divine Qualities

Study of sacred teaching

Study and reflect on sacred teaching rather than relying on unexamined custom.

Position
7
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: Svādhyāya

Original term: Svādhyāya

Transliteration: Svādhyāya

Source wording

<p>Study and reflect on sacred teaching rather than relying on unexamined custom.</p><p><em>Editorial paraphrase; consult the linked source for full wording and context.</em></p>

Translation

Literal meaning

Study and reflect on sacred teaching rather than relying on unexamined custom.

Broader interpretation

Study and reflect on sacred teaching rather than relying on unexamined custom.

Historical context

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

Practical meaning

Study and reflect on sacred teaching rather than relying on unexamined custom.

Ethical purpose

Study and reflect on sacred teaching rather than relying on unexamined custom.

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

Study and reflect on sacred teaching rather than relying on unexamined custom. 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

Study and reflect on sacred teaching rather than relying on unexamined custom. Application should preserve the ethical purpose while avoiding coercion, discrimination and preventable harm.

Ethical themes

  • Wisdom
  • Truth-seeking

Sources