Verse 16-1, Verse 16-2, Verse 16-3

श्रीभगवानुवाच |

अभयं सत्त्वसंशुद्धिर्ज्ञानयोगव्यवस्थिति: |

दानं दमश्च यज्ञश्च स्वाध्यायस्तप आर्जवम् || 1 ||

अहिंसा सत्यमक्रोधस्त्याग: शान्तिरपैशुनम् |

दया भूतेष्वलोलुप्त्वं मार्दवं ह्रीरचापलम् || 2 ||

तेज: क्षमा धृति: शौचमद्रोहोनातिमानिता |

भवन्ति सम्पदं दैवीमभिजातस्य भारत || 3 ||

The Supreme Lord said:
“Fearlessness, purity of heart, steadfastness in knowledge and yoga,
Charity, self-control, and performance of sacrifice,
Studying the scriptures, austerity, and straightforwardness,
Non-violence, truthfulness, absence of anger,
Renunciation, tranquility, freedom from malice,
Compassion towards all beings, absence of covetousness,
Gentleness, modesty, and absence of fickleness,
Vigor, forgiveness, fortitude, cleanliness,
Freedom from malice, absence of haughtiness—
These, O Arjuna, are the divine qualities of one born destined for a godly state.”
 
 

Commentary

In these verses, Lord Krishna describes the divine qualities that are inherent in individuals who are destined for spiritual elevation and higher states of consciousness.

 

The first verse explains the concept of “sattva,” which represents purity, goodness, and harmony. Lord Krishna emphasizes the importance of cultivating qualities such as fearlessness, purity of heart, and steadfastness in knowledge and yoga. These qualities are necessary for spiritual progress and self-realization.

 

The second verse enumerates virtues related to ethical conduct and moral values. It includes traits like non-violence, truthfulness, absence of anger, and compassion towards all beings. These qualities reflect a harmonious relationship with oneself and others, and they contribute to a peaceful and righteous way of life.

 

The third verse highlights qualities that contribute to inner strength, self-discipline, and self-mastery. These include qualities like vigor, forgiveness, fortitude, cleanliness, and freedom from malice. These virtues enable an individual to overcome challenges, maintain equanimity, and uphold righteousness in all circumstances.

 

Lord Krishna mentions that these divine qualities are the signs of someone who is born destined for a godly state. They are not only indicators of an individual’s spiritual progress but also instrumental in attaining higher realms of consciousness and divine realization.

 

In summary, these verses emphasize the importance of cultivating divine qualities and virtues to progress on the spiritual path. They provide a comprehensive framework for ethical conduct, moral values, self-discipline, and self-transformation. By embodying these qualities, individuals can align themselves with their higher nature and attain spiritual growth and ultimate liberation.