The teacher's nature

śamo damastapaḥ śaucaṃ kṣāntirārjavameva cajñānaṃ vijñānamāstikyaṃ brahmakarma svabhāvajam

Calm, self-control, discipline, purity, patience, honesty, knowledge, wisdom and faith are the natural work of the contemplative.

What it means

Krishna describes the qualities of the brahmin, the contemplative temperament. Inner calm. Self-mastery. Discipline. Purity. Patience. Honesty. Knowledge and lived wisdom. Faith. These describe a natural teacher, scholar or spiritual guide, someone drawn to understanding and calm. It's a nature, not a birthright.

The story

Arjuna's teacher Drona was born a brahmin but chose war. Arjuna knows qualities and birth don't always match. Krishna speaks of qualities.

In your life

Remember the calm, patient teacher who changed your life at school. That's this nature. If it's yours, honour it. If not, learn one of these qualities from someone who has it.