Bhagavad Gita 16.3

Daivasura Sampad Vibhaga Yoga · English Translation

Vigour, forgiveness, fortitude, purity, absence of hatred, absence of pride these belong to the one born for a divine state, O Arjuna.

Sanskrit

तेजः क्षमा धृतिः शौचमद्रोहो नातिमानिता | भवन्ति सम्पदं दैवीमभिजातस्य भारत ||१६-३||

Transliteration

tejaḥ kṣamā dhṛtiḥ śaucamadroho nātimānitā . bhavanti sampadaṃ daivīmabhijātasya bhārata ||16-3||

What Does This Verse Mean?

In this verse, Lord Krishna lists the specific inner qualities that define a person with divine nature while speaking to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. He identifies six key virtues: energy (tejas), patience and forgiveness (kṣamā), perseverance in difficult times (dhṛti), physical and mental purity, freedom from hatred, and humility without arrogance. The core teaching is that these traits are not just moral rules but the natural characteristics of a soul aligned with higher consciousness. When one cultivates these qualities, they move toward a state of peace and divine fulfillment.

The Teaching Behind It

This verse is a cornerstone of Sankhya philosophy within the Gita, specifically addressing 'Prakriti' (nature) and how different gunas manifest in human behavior. It develops the concept that one's inherent nature determines their destiny, suggesting that divine qualities are not acquired artificially but realized through self-purification and alignment with cosmic order.

Word by Word

तेजः vigour, क्षमा forgiveness, धृतिः fortitude, शौचम् purity, अद्रोहः absence of hatred, नातिमानिता absence of overpride, भवन्ति belong, सम्पदम् state, दैवीम् divine, अभिजातस्य to the one born for, भारत O descendant of Bharata (Arjuna)

Classical Commentary

Tejas Vigour, energy, brilliance or lustre of the skin. The aspirant who is bent on attaining salvation marches boldly on the spiritual path. Nothing can tempt him or slacken his progress. This unbroken progress towards the realisation of the Self or the Absolute is lustre. It overcomes the downward pull of Tamas. Kshama Forgiveness. He who is endowed with this virtue does not exhibit anger even when he is insulted, ruked or beaten, although he is strong enough to take vengeance. He is unaffected by the insult or injury. Dhriti The sage absorbs within himself all calamities. He is steadfast even when he is in very adverse and trying conditions this is a particular Sattvic Vritti or state of mind which removes depression or exhaustion of the body and senses when they sink down. An aspirant who is endowed with this divine attribute never gets disheartened, even when he is under severe trials and difficulties or tribulations. Dhriti is a divine pickmeup (tonic) when the body and the senses are in a state of low spirits or dejection. Saucham Purity. This is of two kinds, viz., external and internal. External purity is achieved by means of earth and water. The mind and heart (intellect) are freed from Maya (deception, lust, anger, greed, pride, jealousy, hypocrisy, likes and dislikes) by the practice of celibacy, forgiveness, friendliness, charity, humility, nobilit, love, complacency, compassion, etc. -- this is internal purity. This is more important than external purity. Adroha Absence of hatred, absence of desire to injure others. Atimanita is great pride. A proud man thinks that he is superior to others and that he is worthy of being honoured by others. Naatimanita is the opposite of this ality. Tejas? Kshama and Dhriti are the special alities or Dharmas of the Kshatriyas (warrior class). These are the Sattvic alities of Kshatriyas. Saucham and Adroha are the special Dharmas of the Vaisyas. They are the Sattvic alities of the Vaisyas (merchant class). Absence of pride is the special Dharma of the Sudras (servant class). It is a Sattvic ality that belongs to the Sudras. The divine wealth or Daivi Sampat consists of twentysix attributes. This is a rare gift from the Lord. This is an inexhaustible wealth which cannot be taken away by dacoits. This helps the aspirant attain the imperishable and immacultate Brahmic seat. It is the shortcut to the realm of eternal bliss or Moksha.

Where This Happens

This verse occurs in Chapter 16 during the intense dialogue on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, where Arjuna is paralyzed by grief and confusion about fighting his own relatives. Krishna has just finished describing the 'demonic' nature that leads to destruction and fear, creating a sharp contrast for the confused warrior. The listener, Arjuna, is seeking clarity on how to distinguish between destructive behavior and noble conduct as he prepares for war. This specific verse serves as the positive counterpart to the earlier description of negative traits, offering a roadmap for divine character.

Living It Out Today

Consider a workplace scenario where you receive harsh criticism from a manager during a high-stress project deadline; applying this verse means responding with 'vigour' by immediately focusing on solutions rather than panic. Instead of harboring resentment or feeling superior to the critic, one practices 'forgiveness' and 'absence of pride,' acknowledging that everyone makes mistakes while maintaining personal integrity ('purity'). This approach allows you to maintain mental fortitude through the crisis without succumbing to hatred or ego-driven conflicts.

Explained for Children

Imagine your heart is like a garden; some plants make it dark and scary, while others make it bright and happy. Krishna tells us that having energy to do good things, being patient when someone makes a mistake, not giving up even when things are hard, keeping our bodies clean, not feeling angry at friends, and staying humble are the seeds of 'divine' goodness. Just like a sunflower turns toward the light, doing these right things helps your heart grow strong and happy inside.

Daily Reflection

Today, consider how easily we mistake agitation for vigor and stubbornness for fortitude; true divine strength is quiet yet unshakable. When the world demands reaction, practice the gentle power of forgiveness that dissolves anger rather than suppressing it. You possess an innate capacity to act without hatred or pride, simply by remembering your connection to a higher nature.

A Practice for Today

Close your eyes and take three deep breaths, visualizing the inner fire of Teja (vigor) igniting a calm space within you. As you exhale, silently offer forgiveness to anyone holding a grudge in your heart, allowing purity to wash away any lingering resentment or pride.

Key Teachings

The Nature of True Vigor
Teja is not aggressive energy but the luminous clarity that arises when the mind is free from confusion. It empowers us to act with precision and purpose, rooted in self-awareness rather than egoic impulse.
Forgiveness as Fortitude
Kṣamā (forgiveness) requires immense inner strength; it is the active choice not to retaliate when provoked. This quality protects the soul from the corrosive effects of hatred and preserves one's spiritual integrity.
The Foundation of Purity
Shauca (purity) extends beyond physical cleanliness to encompass a mind free from malice, greed, and arrogance. Without this internal clarity, other virtues cannot take root in the soil of one's character.

Themes

Self-Nature (Svabhava)Virtues and CharacterDivine vs DemonicMental PurityEmotional MasteryDuty without Ego

Related Verses

2.47 3.30 4.18 6.5 18.66

Read This Next

2.47 — Connects the divine virtues to performing duty without attachment to results.
3.30 — Expands on dedicating all actions and their fruits to the Divine as a practice of purity.
12.15 — Describes how one who is free from anger and full of peace becomes dear to Krishna, echoing these divine qualities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the specific meaning of 'tejaḥ' in this context?

'Tejaḥ' translates to vigor, radiance, or inner energy. In this spiritual context, it refers not just to physical strength but to a luminous vitality and enthusiasm that comes from living with integrity and purpose.

How does 'absence of hatred' (adroha) fit into the concept of divine nature?

'Adroha' signifies a lack of jealousy, malice, or ill-will toward others. It is essential for divine nature because it represents a heart that has transcended competitive ego and views all beings with equanimity and goodwill.

Is 'absence of pride' (atimānitā) the same as being weak or lacking confidence?

No, absence of overpride does not mean a lack of self-respect; it means freedom from arrogance and the belief that one is superior to others. It allows a person to remain humble despite their achievements while still acting with confidence.

Why are these qualities called 'divine' rather than just moral?

These qualities are termed divine because they naturally arise when the mind is purified and aligned with higher consciousness, distinguishing them from mere social conditioning. They reflect an inherent connection to the universal truth (Satya) rather than a desire for external rewards or fear of punishment.

In Other Languages: Bhagavad Gita 16.3 →