Bhagavad Gita | Chapter 16: Daivasura Sampad Vibhaga Yoga
The Yoga of the Divine and Demoniac Heritage - Krishna distinguishes between divine qualities that liberate and demoniac qualities that bind.
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Chapter 16: Daivasura Sampad Vibhaga Yoga - Divine and Demoniac Qualities
Krishna enumerates the qualities of those born with divine nature and those born with demoniac nature. This is a practical teaching on the ethical qualities that lead to liberation.
The Divine Qualities
Fearlessness, purity, steadfastness in knowledge, charity, self-control, sacrifice, study, austerity, honesty, non-violence, truth, freedom from anger, compassion, non-covetousness, gentleness, modesty, and determination.
The Demoniac Qualities
Hypocrisy, arrogance, pride, anger, harsh speech, ignorance, craving for power, and delusion. Those with demoniac nature do not know what is to be done and what is not to be done. They have no purity, truth, or right conduct.
The Choice
Krishna urges Arjuna to cultivate divine qualities and avoid demoniac ones. The divine qualities lead to liberation; the demoniac lead to bondage.
Key Verses
Verse 5: The divine qualities lead to liberation; the demoniac, to bondage. Do not grieve, O Arjuna - you are born with divine qualities.
Verse 24: Therefore, let the scriptures be your authority in determining what is to be done and what is not to be done. Knowing the scriptural injunctions, you should perform actions in this world.