Division Between the Divine and the Demoniacal - 16 - 01

The Shloka

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श्रीभगवानुवाच ।

अभयं सत्त्वसंशुद्धिर्ज्ञानयोगव्यवस्थितिः ।

दानं दमश्च यज्ञश्च स्वाध्यायस्तप आर्जवम् ॥

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śrī-bhagavān uvāca ।

abhayaṁ sattva-saṁśuddhir jñāna-yoga-vyavasthitiḥ ।

dānaṁ damaś ca yajñaś ca svādhyāyas tapa ārjavam ॥

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Meaning / Summary

This verse is the opening of Chapter 16 of the Bhagavad Gita, where Lord Krishna begins to delineate the divine qualities (daivi sampad) that lead to liberation. These virtues are presented as essential characteristics for those who possess a divine nature and are on the path to spiritual enlightenment. By listing these qualities, Krishna provides a clear roadmap for human beings to cultivate virtues that elevate their consciousness and bring them closer to the divine. This verse emphasizes that spiritual progress is not just about ritual, but fundamentally about the transformation of character and inner purification.

The Supreme Lord said: Fearlessness, purification of one’s existence, steadfastness in the cultivation of spiritual knowledge, charity, self-control, performance of sacrifice, study of the sacred scriptures, austerity, and straightforwardness.

Lord Krishna initiates Chapter 16 by listing the primary divine qualities, beginning with fearlessness, purity of being, dedication to spiritual knowledge, generosity, control over senses, performing sacrifices, studying sacred texts, practicing austerity, and maintaining honesty. These virtues are described as characteristics of those born with a divine nature, leading towards liberation.

This verse inaugurates the sixteenth chapter of the Bhagavad Gita, where Lord Krishna, in response to Arjuna’s implicit query about the paths of good and evil, begins to describe the divine qualities (daivi sampad) that lead to liberation. These qualities are a blueprint for spiritual aspirants to follow, representing the virtues that lead one towards a higher state of consciousness and ultimately, freedom from the cycle of birth and death. The Lord enumerates ten foundational virtues in this verse:

1. Fearlessness (abhayam): This is not merely the absence of physical fear but a deep-seated spiritual courage that comes from the realization of the imperishable nature of the soul. It implies a mind that is stable and unperturbed by worldly adversities, the fear of death, or the criticisms of others. It is born of unwavering faith in the Supreme.

2. Purity of one’s existence (sattva-saṁśuddhiḥ): This refers to the inner cleansing of the heart and mind, a state free from deceit, hypocrisy, pride, lust, anger, and other negative emotions. It signifies a clear conscience, an unblemished character, and a continuous striving for ethical and moral perfection in thought, word, and deed.

3. Steadfastness in the cultivation of spiritual knowledge (jñāna-yoga-vyavasthitiḥ): This quality denotes a firm and consistent commitment to the path of wisdom and meditation. It involves not just intellectual understanding of spiritual truths but also practical application and unwavering dedication to realizing the true nature of the self (ātman) and the ultimate reality (Brahman). It is a disciplined approach to acquiring and living by spiritual insights.

4. Charity (dānam): Generosity is an act of selfless giving, offering resources, knowledge, or assistance to deserving individuals, especially those in need or those dedicated to spiritual pursuits, without any expectation of reciprocation. It fosters detachment from material possessions and cultivates compassion.

5. Self-control (damaḥ): This involves the conscious restraint of the external senses (sight, hearing, touch, taste, smell) from their tempting objects. It is not suppression but rather intelligent redirection of sensory energy towards higher, spiritual aims. It means mastering one’s physical body and its actions, preventing them from leading to unrighteous conduct.

6. Performance of sacrifice (yajñaḥ): Originally referring to Vedic rituals, ‘yajña’ here can be broadly interpreted as any act of devotion, service, or offering performed with a selfless attitude for the welfare of others or as an offering to the Divine. It symbolizes an egoless approach to action, transforming ordinary activities into spiritual acts.

7. Study of the sacred scriptures (svādhyāyaḥ): This virtue emphasizes the regular and diligent reading, contemplation, and understanding of holy texts such as the Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas, and the Bhagavad Gita. It is a means to acquire spiritual knowledge, gain self-awareness, and find guidance for living a righteous life.

8. Austerity (tapaḥ): Austerity refers to voluntary self-discipline, penance, or severe effort undertaken for spiritual purification and progress. This includes practices like fasting, observing vows, maintaining silence, or enduring physical discomfort for a higher spiritual goal. It strengthens the will and purifies the inner being.

9. Straightforwardness (ārjavam): This means honesty, sincerity, and integrity in all aspects of one’s being. It implies freedom from crookedness, deception, and hypocrisy, ensuring that one’s thoughts, words, and actions are consistent and transparent. It is an inner and outer alignment with truth.

Sentence - 1

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श्रीभगवानुवाच

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Meaning

The Supreme Lord said:

Meaning of Words

श्रीभगवान्	śrī-bhagavān
The Supreme Lord A respectful address for Lord Krishna, indicating His divine, opulent, and all-powerful nature as the Supreme Personality of Godhead.
उवाच	uvāca	said

Sentence - 2

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अभयं सत्त्वसंशुद्धिर्ज्ञानयोगव्यवस्थितिः ।

दानं दमश्च यज्ञश्च स्वाध्यायस्तप आर्जवम् ॥

———

Meaning

Fearlessness, purity of one’s existence, steadfastness in the cultivation of spiritual knowledge, charity, self-control, performance of sacrifice, study of the sacred scriptures, austerity, and straightforwardness.

Meaning of Words

अभयम्	abhayam
fearlessness The state of being free from fear; courage, especially in the face of danger or difficulty, arising from spiritual wisdom and conviction in the imperishable nature of the self. It implies a steady mind, unperturbed by worldly challenges or the fear of death.
सत्त्वसंशुद्धिः	sattva-saṁśuddhiḥ
purity of one’s existence Inner cleansing; purification of the heart and mind, meaning freedom from deceit, hypocrisy, attachment, and other impurities. It signifies a clear conscience and unblemished character, striving for ethical and moral perfection.
ज्ञानयोगव्यवस्थितिः	jñāna-yoga-vyavasthitiḥ
steadfastness in the cultivation of spiritual knowledge Firm establishment and consistent practice in the path of knowledge (Jñāna Yoga) and meditation, aiming to understand the true nature of the self (ātman) and the Supreme Reality (Brahman). This involves both intellectual understanding and practical application through spiritual discipline.
दानम्	dānam
charity The act of giving generously, often material possessions or resources, to deserving individuals, especially those in need or engaged in spiritual pursuits, without expecting anything in return. It is an act of selfless giving and compassion.
दमः	damaḥ
self-control Restraint of the external senses from their objects; disciplining the mind and body. It means exercising control over one’s impulses, desires, and actions, redirecting them towards higher, spiritual goals rather than mere sense gratification.
च	ca	and
यज्ञः	yajñaḥ
sacrifice Ritualistic offerings or acts of devotion performed for the pleasure of the Divine or for the welfare of others. It symbolizes selflessness, dedication to a higher purpose, and can refer to various forms of worship or service.
स्वाध्यायः	svādhyāyaḥ
study of the sacred scriptures Regular reading, contemplation, and understanding of holy texts (like the Vedas, Upanishads, Bhagavad Gita, Puranas) to gain spiritual wisdom, self-knowledge, and guidance for righteous living. It also encompasses self-reflection.
तपः	tapaḥ
austerity Self-discipline, penance, and voluntary endurance of hardships (such as fasting, vows, mental concentration) for spiritual purification, self-control, and progress. It involves controlling the body, speech, and mind for a higher purpose.
आर्जवम्	ārjavam
straightforwardness Honesty, sincerity, and integrity in thought, word, and deed. It means being free from crookedness, deception, and dissimulation, maintaining consistency and transparency between one’s inner intentions and outer expressions.

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