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16

CHAPTER 

VERSE

5

द्वौ भूतसर्गौ लोकेऽस्मिन्दैव आसुर एव च |
दैवो विस्तरश: प्रोक्त आसुरं पार्थ मे शृणु || 16.5 ||

Daivī sampadvimokṣāya nibandhāyāsurī matā |
Mā śuchaḥ sampadaṁ daivīm abhijāto 'si pāṇḍava ||

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

Lesson:

This verse talks about the divine and demoniac qualities present in individuals. He explains that possessing divine qualities leads to liberation (moksha) from the cycle of birth and death, while harbouring demoniac qualities results in bondage and suffering. Krishna reassures Arjuna, urging him not to despair, as Arjuna is inherently endowed with divine qualities.

Krishna's classification of qualities into divine (daivī) and demoniac (asurī) offers insights into the nature of human behaviour and its consequences. The divine qualities, such as compassion, truthfulness, self-discipline, and humility, uplift the individual and pave the way for spiritual evolution. These virtues foster inner peace, harmony, and liberation from the cycle of karma.

On the other hand, the demoniac qualities, including arrogance, greed, anger, envy, and deceit, bind individuals to the material world and perpetuate suffering. Such qualities arise from ignorance and egoism, leading to moral degradation and spiritual decline. They fuel desires and attachments, entangling individuals in the cycle of birth and death.

Krishna's counsel to Arjuna serves as a reminder of his inherent divinity and spiritual potential. Despite the challenges and conflicts Arjuna faces on the battlefield, Krishna assures him that his true nature is divine. By cultivating divine qualities and aligning with righteousness, Arjuna can transcend worldly limitations and attain spiritual liberation.

This verse also underscores the power of choice and free will in shaping one's destiny. Individuals have the autonomy to cultivate either divine or demoniac qualities through their thoughts, words, and actions. By consciously aligning with virtuous qualities and eschewing negative tendencies, one can steer towards spiritual growth and liberation.

Moreover, Krishna's words carry a universal message applicable to all seekers on the path of self-realization. By recognizing the divine potential within oneself and striving to embody noble virtues, one can overcome the influence of ego and ignorance, and attain union with the Supreme.

In essence, this verse elucidates the eternal struggle between virtue and vice, and the profound impact of one's character on their spiritual journey. It inspires individuals to embrace divine qualities, transcend their limitations, and realize their inherent divinity. Through self-awareness, introspection, and righteous conduct, one can attain liberation and experience the boundless joy of union with the divine.

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