Bhagvad Gita - Chapter: 16 Daivasura Sampad Vibhaga Yogah

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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Daivasura Sampad Vibhaga Yogah - They say: "The world is without truth, without a moral foundation, and without a God. It is produced by the union of male and female, and has no cause other than lust."

असत्यमप्रतिष्ठं ते जगदाहुरनीश्वरम् |
अपरस्परसम्भूतं किमन्यत्कामहैतुकम् ||8||

They say: "The world is without truth, without a moral foundation, and without a God. It is produced by the union of male and female, and has no cause other than lust."

Anishvaram: Denial of divine existence.
Kama-Haitukam: Driven by lust and desires.
Aparaspara-Sambhutam: Belief in creation without divine cause.

Krishna reveals the atheistic mindset of those with demoniac tendencies. By denying divine order, they justify immoral actions. This perspective is not just philosophical but deeply psychological—when people see life as random and meaningless, they act solely based on personal gain, leading to reckless and destructive behaviors.

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Daivasura Sampad Vibhaga Yogah - Holding fast to this view, these lost souls with small intellects, engage in terrible actions for the destruction of the world.

एतां दृष्टिमवष्टभ्य नष्टात्मानोऽल्पबुद्धय: |
प्रभवन्त्युग्रकर्माण: क्षयाय जगतोऽहिता: ||9||

Holding fast to this view, these lost souls with small intellects, engage in terrible actions for the destruction of the world.

Nashtatmanah: Those who have lost their real self.
Ugra-Karmanah: Engaging in cruel and destructive actions.
Ahitah: Harmful beings spreading disorder.

Having embraced materialism and selfishness, the demoniac destroy both themselves and others. Krishna describes how their misguided beliefs manifest as harmful actions, contributing to the world’s suffering. Their limited understanding leads to excessive greed and cruelty, proving that internal ignorance inevitably reflects in external chaos.

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