Bhagavad Gita 16.5

Daivasura Sampad Vibhaga Yoga · English Translation

The divine nature is deemed conducive to liberation, and the demoniacal to bondage. Grieve not, O Arjuna, thou art born with divine endowments.

Sanskrit

दैवी सम्पद्विमोक्षाय निबन्धायासुरी मता | मा शुचः सम्पदं दैवीमभिजातोऽसि पाण्डव ||१६-५||

Transliteration

daivī sampadvimokṣāya nibandhāyāsurī matā . mā śucaḥ sampadaṃ daivīmabhijāto.asi pāṇḍava ||16-5||

What Does This Verse Mean?

In this verse, Lord Krishna is speaking to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, reassuring him that his current nature and inclinations are divine rather than demoniacal. The core teaching distinguishes between two paths: a 'divine nature' characterized by virtues like truthfulness and fearlessness leads to freedom (liberation), while a 'demoniacal nature' driven by ego and aggression leads to bondage. Krishna tells Arjuna not to worry or grieve about the challenges ahead because his inherent qualities are already aligned with this liberating path.

The Teaching Behind It

This teaching belongs primarily to Jnana Yoga, as it focuses on self-knowledge and distinguishing between one's true spiritual nature (divine) and false conditioning (demoniacal). It develops the concept of 'Sattva' (purity) versus 'Tamas' and 'Rajas' (ignorance and passion), establishing that liberation is a natural result of cultivating divine qualities, while bondage results from their absence.

Word by Word

दैवी divine, सम्पत् state, विमोक्षाय for liberation, निबन्धाय for bondage, आसुरी the demoniacal, मता is deemed, मा not, शुचः grieve, सम्पदम् state, दैवीम् the divine, अभिजातः one born for, असि (thou) art, पाण्डव O Pandava

Classical Commentary

Sampat Endowment, wealthy state, nature, virtue. Moksha Liberation from the bondage of Samsara, release from the round of birth and death. The,divine nature leads to salvation the demoniacl nature, to bondage. As Arjuna was already griefstricken and dejected? Lord Krishna assures him not to feel alarmed at this description of the Asuric alities which bring grief and delusion, as he was born with Sattvic tendencies, leading towards salvation. Arjuna, on hearing the words of Lord Krishna, might have thought within himself? Do I possess divine nature or demoniacal nature The Lord, in order to remove Arjunas doubt, said? Grieve not? O Arjuna, thou art born with divine alities. Thou art fortunate. Thou mayest attain to the happiness of Selfrealisation. Do not think? O Arjuna, that by engaging yourself in battle and killing people you will become an Asura. Grieve not on this score. You will establish the kingdom of righteousness by fighting this righteous battle.

Where This Happens

This verse occurs in Chapter 16 of the Bhagavad Gita, set on the battlefield of Kurukshetra where the Pandavas and Kauravas are poised for a great war. After listing various demonic qualities that lead to destruction, Krishna has just finished describing them as characteristics of those who oppose cosmic order (dharma). Arjuna is still feeling overwhelmed by his doubts about fighting his own relatives; this verse serves as an immediate comfort from Krishna, affirming that despite the chaos around him, Arjuna's intrinsic nature remains pure and aligned with righteousness.

Living It Out Today

Consider a modern professional facing a high-stakes decision where they are pressured to cut corners or engage in unethical behavior to meet quarterly targets. In this moment of anxiety about losing their integrity versus gaining success, the verse reminds them that choosing honesty builds 'divine' resilience and long-term freedom from guilt (liberation), while compromising leads to mental bondage. The leader should not grieve over the fear of failure but recognize that they were born with an inner capacity for ethical leadership.

Explained for Children

Imagine you have two backpacks: one is light, full of happy toys like kindness and courage (the divine nature), which helps you run fast and climb mountains easily. The other bag is heavy, filled with rocks labeled 'anger' and 'fear', making it hard to move anywhere. Krishna tells Arjuna that he has already been given the light backpack because his heart is good inside. So, there is no need to cry or be scared; just trust your strong inner self!

Daily Reflection

Arjuna was told not to grieve because he had been born with the seeds of divinity; you too possess this same potential for liberation right now. When you feel overwhelmed by doubt or negativity, remember that a demoniac nature is just a habit pattern, whereas your divine nature is your true essence waiting to be acknowledged. Trust in this inherent goodness today and let it guide your choices rather than the temporary urges of bondage.

A Practice for Today

Pause and place your hand over your heart, asking yourself where you are currently leaning: toward the fear that binds or the freedom that liberates. Visualize a golden light of divine qualities filling your mind, replacing any anxiety with the quiet confidence that these traits are already within your reach.

Key Teachings

The Nature of Destiny
Krishna establishes a cosmic law where divine qualities naturally lead to moksha (liberation) while demoniac traits create samsara (bondage). This distinction is not about punishment but the natural consequence of how our internal nature shapes our external reality.
The Remedy for Grief
The verse offers a specific antidote to Arjuna's sorrow: recognizing one's own divine birthright removes the need for anxiety about one's future or status. When you know your true nature is rooted in divinity, fear of failure dissolves into faith in your inherent capacity.
Innate Potential
Divine endowments are not something to be acquired from the outside but realized as an existing birthright that has been obscured by ignorance. The path forward is simply a matter of awakening these latent qualities rather than constructing new ones.

Themes

Divine vs Demonic NatureLiberation and BondageSelf-KnowledgeOvercoming FearDharma and VirtueInner Peace

Related Verses

2.47 3.30 4.18 6.5 18.66

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between 'daivi sampada' and 'asuri matata'?

'Daivi sampada' refers to divine endowments or qualities like truthfulness, fearlessness, and compassion that lead a person toward spiritual freedom. In contrast, 'Asuri mata' describes demoniacal tendencies rooted in arrogance, anger, and ignorance that inevitably bind the soul to the cycle of suffering.

Why does Krishna tell Arjuna not to grieve about his nature?

Krishna tells Arjuna not to grieve because he has already identified that Arjuna possesses divine qualities, meaning he is naturally inclined toward righteousness and the right path. The assurance is meant to remove anxiety caused by self-doubt, reminding Arjuna that his inner strength is sufficient for his duty.

Can a person change from demoniacal nature to divine nature?

Yes, the Gita teaches that while one's tendencies may be strong, they are not permanent. Through conscious effort (sadhana), self-discipline, and devotion, an individual can suppress negative traits and cultivate positive ones, gradually shifting their nature from bondage toward liberation.

How does this verse relate to the concept of Karma Yoga?

This verse supports Karma Yoga by establishing that actions performed with a divine nature (selfless, pure intentions) do not create new karmic bonds. Instead, they purify the mind and lead directly toward Moksha (liberation), whereas selfish or demoniacal actions reinforce the cycle of birth and death.

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