Bhagvad Gita - Chapter: 16 Daivasura Sampad Vibhaga Yogah

Daivasura Sampad Vibhaga Yogah - {Shri Bhagavan said} Fearlessness, purity of heart, perseverance in pursuit of knowledge and yoga, charity, self-restraint, sacrifice, study of scriptures, austerity, and honesty.

श्रीभगवानुवाच अभयं सत्त्वसंशुद्धिर्ज्ञानयोगव्यवस्थिति: |
दानं दमश्च यज्ञश्च स्वाध्यायस्तप आर्जवम् ||1||

{Shri Bhagavan said} Fearlessness, purity of heart, perseverance in pursuit of knowledge and yoga, charity, self-restraint, sacrifice, study of scriptures, austerity, and honesty.

Abhayam: Fearlessness, a divine quality.
Sattva-Samshuddhi: Purity of inner being.
Jnana-Yoga: The path of knowledge and wisdom.

Krishna begins by listing divine qualities, setting the foundation for distinguishing between the righteous and the wicked. Fearlessness and purity of heart are emphasized, suggesting that spiritual growth starts with inner refinement rather than mere rituals. These qualities guide seekers toward self-realization and ultimate liberation.

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Daivasura Sampad Vibhaga Yogah - Non-violence, truthfulness, absence of anger, renunciation, peace, aversion to fault-finding, compassion for all beings, freedom from greed, gentleness, modesty, and absence of fickleness.

अहिंसा सत्यमक्रोधस्त्याग: शान्तिरपैशुनम् |
दया भूतेष्वलोलुप्त्वं मार्दवं ह्रीरचापलम् ||2||

Non-violence, truthfulness, absence of anger, renunciation, peace, aversion to fault-finding, compassion for all beings, freedom from greed, gentleness, modesty, and absence of fickleness.

Ahimsa: Non-violence, a virtue of the righteous.
Apaisunam: Absence of fault-finding.
Mardavam: Gentleness and humility.

Building upon divine virtues, Krishna highlights non-violence and truthfulness as essential traits of the enlightened. The emphasis on restraint and compassion suggests that true strength lies in self-control and benevolence. These qualities create harmony in both individual lives and society, reinforcing the ideal path of dharma.

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Daivasura Sampad Vibhaga Yogah - Vigor, forgiveness, fortitude, cleanliness, absence of hatred, and absence of excessive pride—these are the qualities of those born with divine nature, O Bharata.

तेज: क्षमा धृति: शौचमद्रोहोनातिमानिता |
भवन्ति सम्पदं दैवीमभिजातस्य भारत ||3||

Vigor, forgiveness, fortitude, cleanliness, absence of hatred, and absence of excessive pride—these are the qualities of those born with divine nature, O Bharata.

Tejah: Vigor and energy.
Dhriti: Perseverance and determination.
Adroha: Absence of malice towards others.

Krishna concludes the divine attributes by underscoring perseverance, cleanliness, and humility. Unlike material success, which often fosters arrogance, true spiritual progress is marked by patience and purity. This verse also subtly prepares the reader for the contrast between divine and demoniac natures, which Krishna will explore next.

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Daivasura Sampad Vibhaga Yogah - Hypocrisy, arrogance, conceit, anger, harshness, and ignorance—these, O Partha, belong to those born with demoniac nature.

दम्भो दर्पोऽभिमानश्च क्रोध: पारुष्यमेव च |
अज्ञानं चाभिजातस्य पार्थ सम्पदमासुरीम् ||4||

Hypocrisy, arrogance, conceit, anger, harshness, and ignorance—these, O Partha, belong to those born with demoniac nature.

Dambha: Hypocrisy or pretentiousness.
Parushyam: Harshness in speech and action.
Ajnanam: Lack of wisdom or ignorance.

The transition from divine to demoniac traits begins, illustrating how arrogance and harshness lead to spiritual downfall. Unlike the divine qualities that promote unity, these negative traits breed discord. Krishna warns that ignorance and cruelty not only harm the individual but also corrupt the moral fabric of society, leading to suffering.

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Daivasura Sampad Vibhaga Yogah - The divine qualities lead to liberation, whereas the demoniac qualities are meant for bondage. Do not grieve, O Pandava, for you are born with divine qualities.

दैवी सम्पद्विमोक्षाय निबन्धायासुरी मता |
मा शुच: सम्पदं दैवीमभिजातोऽसि पाण्डव ||5||

The divine qualities lead to liberation, whereas the demoniac qualities are meant for bondage. Do not grieve, O Pandava, for you are born with divine qualities.

Daivi Sampad: Divine qualities leading to liberation.
Asuri Sampad: Demonic nature leading to bondage.
Nibandhaya: That which binds or restricts.

Divine qualities lead to liberation, while demoniac tendencies cause bondage. This simple yet profound contrast is central to Krishna’s teachings. The assurance that Arjuna possesses divine traits serves as encouragement, reinforcing that spiritual progress is determined by one’s qualities and choices rather than mere birth or status.

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Daivasura Sampad Vibhaga Yogah - There are two types of beings in this world—the divine and the demoniac. The divine has been described at length; now hear from Me about the demoniac, O Partha.

द्वौ भूतसर्गौ लोकेऽस्मिन्दैव आसुर एव च |
दैवो विस्तरश: प्रोक्त आसुरं पार्थ मे शृणु ||6||

There are two types of beings in this world—the divine and the demoniac. The divine has been described at length; now hear from Me about the demoniac, O Partha.

Bhuta-Sarga: Two types of beings, divine and demonic.
Asura: Demonic nature characterized by selfishness.
Daiva: Divine nature characterized by righteousness.

Krishna classifies humanity into two broad categories: the divine and the demoniac. This distinction goes beyond mythology, reflecting real psychological and moral orientations. While divine individuals align with truth and self-discipline, demoniac beings reject ethical principles, leading to chaos and suffering. The choice of path lies in one’s hands.

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Daivasura Sampad Vibhaga Yogah - Those with demoniac nature do not know what is right or wrong. There is no purity, truthfulness, or proper conduct found in them.

प्रवृत्तिं च निवृत्तिं च जना न विदुरासुरा: |
न शौचं नापि चाचारो न सत्यं तेषु विद्यते ||7||

Those with demoniac nature do not know what is right or wrong. There is no purity, truthfulness, or proper conduct found in them.

Pravritti: Inclination towards action and engagement.
Nivritti: Withdrawal or renunciation.
Achara: Conduct or behavior in life.

A key characteristic of demoniac beings is their disregard for moral guidelines. Krishna highlights how such people lack not just religious discipline but also ethical integrity. Without inner purity, they become enslaved by impulses, unable to distinguish between right and wrong. This breakdown of values eventually erodes the foundation of society.

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