Bhagawat Gita Chapter 16 : Life Lessons
1. The divine nature is characterized by humility, self control and purity
2. The demonic nature leads to misery & suffering in this life & next
3. Lust anger and greed will lead you to perish.
4. Divine nature leads to spiritual progress and ultimate liberation
6. By cultivating Divine qualities, one can attain eternal happiness and peace.
Expounds on the two kinds of human nature—the saintly (26 qualities) and the demoniac (6 qualities). Shree Krishna explains that the saintly-nature develops in humans by cultivating the modes of goodness, by following the instructions given in the scriptures, and purifying the mind with spiritual practices. Such behavior attracts Daivī sampatti or godlike qualities, eventually leading to God-realization. Contrary to this, the demoniac-nature develops by associating with modes of passion and ignorance and materially focused lifestyles that breed unwholesome traits in human personality. This leads the soul finally to a hell-like existence.
Shree Krishna enumerates the saintly virtues of those endowed with a divine nature and then describes the demoniac qualities that should be shunned consciously. Else, these will drag the soul further into ignorance and samsara or the cycle of life and death. In the end, Shree Krishna declares that the knowledge of the scriptures helps in overcoming ignorance and passion. They also guide us to make the right choices in life. Therefore, we must understand their teachings and injunctions and accordingly perform our actions in this world.
The 26 divine qualities are described as the characteristics of those with a divine nature, leading to liberation, while the opposite qualities belong to those of a demoniac nature, leading to bondage. Here's a breakdown of the 26 divine qualities, as described in verses 16.1-3: The Divine Qualities (Daivi Sampada):
1. Fearlessness (Abhaya): Brave and unafraid in the face of adversity.
2. Purity of Heart (Sattva): A pure and unblemished mind.
3. Perseverance in Acquiring Wisdom (Jnana-Yoga): Steadfastness in seeking knowledge and spiritual practice.
4. Charity (Dana): Generosity and giving without expectation of return.
5. Subjugation of the Senses (Indriya-Nigraha): Control over the senses and desires.
6. Performance of Holy Rites (Yajna): Performing sacrifices and rituals according to the scriptures.
7. Study of the Scriptures (Veda-Path): Studying the Vedas and other sacred texts.
8. Self-Discipline (Tapas): Austerity and self-restraint.
9. Straightforwardness (Satya): Honesty and truthfulness in words and actions.
10. Non-Injury (Ahimsa): Harmlessness and non-violence towards all beings.
10. Truthfulness (Satya): Speaking the truth and living honestly.
12. Freedom from Wrath (Krodha-Aparadh): Absence of anger and irritability.
13. Renunciation (Tyaga): Detachment from worldly attachments.
14. Tranquility (Shanti): Peacefulness and calmness of mind.
15. Absence of Malice (Asatya): Not speaking ill of others or engaging in gossip.
16. Compassion for All Creatures (Daya): Kindness and empathy towards all living beings.
17. Absence of Greed (Aloluptvam): Freedom from avarice and covetousness.
18. Gentleness (Shanti): Kindness and mildness of manner.
19. Modesty (Hrih): Humility and a sense of decorum.
20. Lack of Restlessness (Acapalam): Steadfastness and determination.
21. Radiance of Character (Tejah): Inner brilliance and strength of character.
22. Forgiveness (Kshama): The ability to forgive and not harbor resentment.
23. Patience (Dhriti): The ability to endure hardships with fortitude.
24. Cleanliness (Saucam): Purity of both body and mind.
25. Freedom from Hate (Asatya): Absence of hatred and malice.
26. Absence of Conceit (Natimanita): Lack of pride and arrogance.
Note: Sathya Sai Baba's 5 Human Values: Peace, Love, Truth, Non-Violence, Right Conduct
The demoniac qualities are described as arrogance, pride, anger, conceit, harshness, and ignorance. Here's a more detailed breakdown of these qualities:
1. Arrogance: A sense of inflated self-importance and a disdain for others.
2. Pride: Excessive self-regard and a lack of humility.
3. Anger: Easily provoked and prone to outbursts of rage.
4. Conceit: A belief in one's own superiority and a tendency to boast.
5. Harshness: Cruel and unkind behavior towards others.
6. Ignorance: A lack of understanding and wisdom, particularly regarding spiritual matters.
Verse 21-24 deals with Overcome Kama (lust), Krodha (anger), Lobha (greed) because they lead to the degradation of the soul, We must follow the shastras, the source of knowledge, for perfection, happiness and the supreme destination. Goodness does not remove ignorance, Knowledge does, it helps purify the mind.
1. Kama- Eating, sleeping or cravings, etc. too much it or too little, is not going to bring you any closer to the higher reality. Be temperate in your approach eat and sleep well and find time recreational activities too! This is what all of us need to learn and embrace from the Bhagwat Gita in this day and age of instant gratification and endless wants.
2. Krodha –Anger makes you lose your balanced point of view. Reasoning with such a state of mind is not possible. In such a state you cannot reason justly and thus are destined to be doomed. Anger element is the fundamental cause of failures in a person’s life. This is another main point of the Bhagwat Gita which cannot be emphasized enough.
3 Lobha- Greedy and Selfish attitude is like a dusty mirror. A greedy person will fail to perceive the truth when tackling any given situation. A lop-sided view will keep him bounded with doubts and disappointments. Contentment is what you have is essential. First be happy and satisfied and then work for your needs; this is the real meaning of living life according to the Bhagwat Gita. - (These are my raw notes from review BG)
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