Shloka 16.1-16.3: śhrī-bhagavān uvācha | abhayaṁ sattva-sanśhuddhir jñāna-yoga-vyavasthitiḥ | dānaṁ damaśh cha yajñaśh cha svādhyāyas tapa ārjavam || 16.1 ||

ahiṁsā satyam akrodhas tyāgaḥ śhāntir apaiśhunam | dayā bhūteṣhv aloluptvaṁ mārdavaṁ hrīr achāpalam || 16.2 ||

tejaḥ kṣhamā dhṛitiḥ śhaucham adroho nātimānitā | bhavanti sampadaṁ daivīm abhijātasya bhārata || 16.3 ||

English:  The Blessed Lord said: Fearlessness, purity of heart, perseverance in knowledge and yoga, charity, control of the senses, performance of sacrifice, study of the scriptures, austerity, and straightforwardness; non-violence, truthfulness, absence of anger, renunciation, tranquility, aversion to fault-finding, compassion to all living beings, absence of greed, gentleness, modesty, and determination; vigor, forgiveness, fortitude, cleanliness, bearing no malice, and absence of pride—these are the transcendental qualities of those endowed with a divine nature, O Bharata (Arjuna).

Hindi:  भगवान ने कहा: निर्भयता, अंतःकरण की शुद्धि, ज्ञान और योग में स्थिरता, दान, इन्द्रियों का संयम, यज्ञ का पालन, शास्त्रों का अध्ययन, तपस्या और सरलता; अहिंसा, सत्यवादिता, क्रोध का न होना, त्याग, शांति, दोषारोपण से विमुखता, सभी प्राणियों के प्रति दया, लोभ का अभाव, कोमलता, लज्जा, और अडिगता; तेजस्विता, क्षमा, धैर्य, शुद्धता, किसी से द्वेष न रखना, और अभिमान का अभाव—ये सभी दिव्य स्वभाव से संपन्न लोगों के गुण हैं, हे भारत (अर्जुन)।

 

Shloka 16.4: dambho darpo ’bhimānaśh cha krodhaḥ pāruṣhyam eva cha | ajñānaṁ chābhijātasya pārtha sampadam āsurīm || 16.4 ||

English:  Hypocrisy, arrogance, conceit, anger, harshness, and ignorance—these qualities belong to those of demoniac nature, O Partha (Arjuna).

Hindi:  दंभ, घमंड, अहंकार, क्रोध, कठोरता और अज्ञान—ये गुण आसुरी स्वभाव से संपन्न लोगों के होते हैं, हे पार्थ (अर्जुन)।

 

Shloka 16.5: daivī sampad vimokṣhāya nibandhāyāsurī matā | mā śhuchaḥ sampadaṁ daivīm abhijāto ’si pāṇḍava || 16.5 ||

English:  The divine qualities lead to liberation, whereas the demoniac qualities are the cause for bondage. Do not worry, O Pandava, for you are born with divine qualities.

Hindi:  दिव्य गुण मुक्ति की ओर ले जाते हैं, जबकि आसुरी गुण बंधन का कारण बनते हैं। चिंता मत करो, हे पाण्डव, क्योंकि तुम दिव्य गुणों से संपन्न हो।

 

Shloka 16.6: dvau bhūta-sargau loke ’smin daiva āsura eva cha | daivo vistaraśhaḥ prokta āsuraṁ pārtha me śhṛiṇu || 16.6 ||

English:  In this world, there are two kinds of created beings—the divine and the demoniac. I have described the divine qualities at length; now hear from Me about the demoniac, O Partha.

Hindi:  इस संसार में दो प्रकार के प्राणी हैं—दिव्य और आसुरी। मैंने दिव्य गुणों का विस्तार से वर्णन किया है; अब मुझसे आसुरी गुणों के बारे में सुनो, हे पार्थ।

 

Shloka 16.7: pravṛittiṁ cha nivṛittiṁ cha janā na vidur āsurāḥ | na śhauchaṁ nāpi chāchāro na satyaṁ teṣhu vidyate || 16.7 ||

English:  Those with a demoniac nature do not know what is right conduct or what is wrong. They do not have purity, truthfulness, or proper behavior.

Hindi:  आसुरी स्वभाव वाले लोग यह नहीं जानते कि उचित आचरण क्या है और अनुचित आचरण क्या है। उनमें न तो शुद्धता होती है, न सत्यवादिता, और न ही उचित आचरण।

 

Shloka 16.8: asatyam apratiṣhṭhaṁ te jagad āhur anīśhvaram | aparaspara-sambhūtaṁ kim anyat kāma-haitukam || 16.8 ||

English:  They say that the world is unreal, without any foundation, and without a God. They believe it is produced from sexual desire, and has no other cause than lust.

Hindi:  वे कहते हैं कि यह जगत असत्य है, किसी आधार के बिना है, और इसमें कोई ईश्वर नहीं है। वे मानते हैं कि यह केवल कामवासना से उत्पन्न हुआ है और इसका कोई अन्य कारण नहीं है।

 

Shloka 16.9: etāṁ dṛiṣhṭim avaṣhṭabhya naṣhṭātmano ’lpa-buddhayaḥ | prabhavanty ugra-karmāṇaḥ kṣhayāya jagato ’hitāḥ || 16.9 ||

English:  Holding such a view, these demoniac and degraded souls, who have small intelligence, engage in horrible and destructive activities, meant to destroy the world.

Hindi:  ऐसी दृष्टि से युक्त होकर, ये आसुरी और पतित आत्माएँ, जिनकी बुद्धि छोटी होती है, भयानक और विनाशकारी कार्यों में लिप्त रहती हैं, जो संसार के विनाश के लिए होते हैं।

 

Shloka 16.10: kāmam āśhritya duṣhpūraṁ dambha-māna-madānvitāḥ | mohād gṛihītvasad-grāhān pravartante ’śhuchi-vratāḥ || 16.10 ||

English:  Obsessed with insatiable desires, full of hypocrisy, pride, and arrogance, the demoniac hold false views due to delusion. They engage in unclean activities, driven by their own attachments.

Hindi:  अतृप्त इच्छाओं से ग्रस्त, दंभ, घमंड और अहंकार से भरे हुए, ये आसुरी स्वभाव वाले लोग मोह के कारण गलत धारणाओं को अपनाते हैं। वे अपने आसक्तियों के वशीभूत होकर अशुद्ध आचरण करते हैं।

 

Shloka 16.11-16.12: chintām aparimeyāṁ cha pralayaṁ chāpi śhritāḥ | kāmopabhoga-paramā etāvad iti niśhchitāḥ || 16.11 ||

āśhā-pāśha-śhatair baddhāḥ kāma-krodha-parāyaṇāḥ | īhante kāma-bhogārtham anyāyenārtha-sañchayān || 16.12 ||

English:  They are beset with endless worries that last until death. They are convinced that gratification of desires is the highest purpose of life. Bound by hundreds of desires, full of lust and anger, they strive to accumulate wealth by unlawful means, for the purpose of sensual gratification.

Hindi:  वे अनंत चिंताओं से घिरे रहते हैं जो मृत्यु तक बनी रहती हैं। वे मानते हैं कि इच्छाओं की तृप्ति ही जीवन का सर्वोच्च उद्देश्य है। सैकड़ों इच्छाओं से बंधे, काम और क्रोध से भरे हुए, वे अनुचित तरीकों से धन इकट्ठा करने का प्रयास करते हैं, ताकि इन्द्रिय सुख प्राप्त कर सकें।

 

Shloka 16.13-16.15: idam adya mayā labdham imaṁ prāpsye manoratham | idam astīdam api me bhaviṣhyati punar dhanam || 16.13 ||

asau mayā hataḥ śhatruḥ haniṣhye chāparān api | īśhvaro ’ham ahaṁ bhogī siddho ’haṁ balavān sukhī || 16.14 ||

āḍhyo ’bhijanavān asmi ko ’nyo ’sti sadṛiśho mayā | yakṣhye dāsyāmi modiṣhya ity ajñāna-vimohitāḥ || 16.15 ||

English:  "The demoniac person thinks: ‘So much wealth do I have today, and I will gain more as per my schemes. So much is mine now, and it will increase in the future.’ He is deluded in this way. ‘That enemy has been slain by me, and I shall also slay others. I am the lord of all, I am the enjoyer, I am perfect, powerful, and happy. I am wealthy, and I come from an aristocratic family. Who else is equal to me? I shall perform sacrifices, give charity, and enjoy. Thus, they are deluded by ignorance.’"

Hindi:  "आसुरी व्यक्ति सोचता है: 'आज मेरे पास इतना धन है, और मैं अपनी योजनाओं के अनुसार और अधिक धन प्राप्त करूंगा। अभी मेरा इतना है, और भविष्य में यह बढ़ेगा।' वह इस प्रकार मोहित रहता है। 'उस शत्रु को मैंने मार दिया, और मैं अन्य शत्रुओं को भी मार दूंगा। मैं सबका स्वामी हूँ, मैं भोग करने वाला हूँ, मैं सिद्ध, शक्तिशाली और सुखी हूँ। मैं धनवान हूँ और एक श्रेष्ठ कुल में जन्मा हूँ। मेरे समान और कौन है? मैं यज्ञ करूंगा, दान दूंगा, और आनंद मनाऊंगा।' इस प्रकार वे अज्ञान से भ्रमित रहते हैं।"

 

Shloka 16.16: anekachitta-vibhrāntā mohajāla-samāvṛitāḥ | prasaktāḥ kāma-bhogeṣhu patanti narake ’śhuchau || 16.16 ||

English:  Bewildered by endless anxieties, entangled in a network of delusion, and addicted to the gratification of desires, they fall into a foul hell.

Hindi:  असंख्य चिंताओं से भ्रमित, मोहजाल से घिरे हुए, और इच्छाओं की तृप्ति में लिप्त रहने के कारण वे अशुद्ध नरक में गिरते हैं।

 

Shloka 16.17: ātma-sambhāvitāḥ stabdhā dhanamāna-madānvitāḥ | yajante nāma-yajñais te daṁbhenāvidhi-pūrvakam || 16.17 ||

English:  Self-conceited, stubborn, filled with pride and intoxication of wealth, they perform sacrifices in name only, with ostentation and without following any rules or regulations.

Hindi:  आत्मप्रशंसा करने वाले, हठी, धन और मान के अभिमान से भरे हुए, वे केवल नाममात्र के लिए यज्ञ करते हैं, दिखावे के साथ और बिना किसी नियम का पालन किए।

 

Shloka 16.18: ahaṅkāraṁ balaṁ darpaṁ kāmaṁ krodhaṁ cha saṁśhritāḥ | mām ātma-para-deheṣhu pradvisho ’bhyasūyakāḥ || 16.18 ||

English:  Blinded by egoism, strength, arrogance, desire, and anger, the demoniac hate Me, who dwells within their own bodies and those of others.

Hindi:  अहंकार, बल, दर्प, काम और क्रोध से अंधे हुए, ये आसुरी स्वभाव वाले मुझसे द्वेष करते हैं, जो उनके अपने शरीर में और अन्य प्राणियों के शरीर में स्थित हूँ।

 

Shloka 16.19: tān ahaṁ dviṣhataḥ krūrān saṁsāreṣhu narādhamān | kṣhipāmy ajasram aśhubhān āsurīṣhv eva yoniṣhu || 16.19 ||

English:  These cruel, hateful, and worst among men—I perpetually cast them into lower and demoniac forms of life in the cycle of birth and death.

Hindi:  मैं इन क्रूर, द्वेषपूर्ण, और मनुष्यों में नीच प्राणियों को हमेशा के लिए आसुरी योनियों में डालता हूँ, जहाँ वे जन्म और मृत्यु के चक्र में बंधे रहते हैं।

 

Shloka 16.20: āsurīṁ yonim āpannā mūḍhā janmani janmani | mām aprāpyaiva kaunteya tato yānty adhamāṁ gatim || 16.20 ||

English:  Attaining repeated births in demoniac wombs, such persons, O son of Kunti, are not able to approach Me. Gradually, they sink to the most abominable type of existence.

Hindi:  बार-बार आसुरी योनियों में जन्म लेते हुए, ऐसे लोग, हे कुन्तीपुत्र, मुझ तक नहीं पहुँच पाते। धीरे-धीरे वे सबसे नीच प्रकार के अस्तित्व में गिर जाते हैं।

 

Shloka 16.21: tri-vidhaṁ narakasyedaṁ dvāraṁ nāśhanam ātmanaḥ | kāmaḥ krodhas tathā lobhas tasmād etat trayaṁ tyajet || 16.21 ||

English:  There are three gates leading to hell—lust, anger, and greed. Every sane person should give these up, for they lead to the degradation of the soul.

Hindi:  तीन द्वार नरक की ओर ले जाते हैं—काम, क्रोध, और लोभ। प्रत्येक समझदार व्यक्ति को इन तीनों का त्याग कर देना चाहिए, क्योंकि वे आत्मा के पतन का कारण बनते हैं।

 

Shloka 16.22: etair vimuktaḥ kaunteya tamo-dvārais tribhir naraḥ | ācharaty ātmanaḥ śhreyaḥ tato yāti parāṁ gatim || 16.22 ||

English:  A person who is liberated from these three gates to darkness, O son of Kunti, performs actions conducive to self-realization and thus gradually attains the supreme destination.

Hindi:  जो व्यक्ति इन तीनों अंधकार के द्वारों से मुक्त है, हे कुन्तीपुत्र, वह आत्म-साक्षात्कार के लिए उपयुक्त कर्म करता है और इस प्रकार धीरे-धीरे परम गन्तव्य को प्राप्त करता है।

 

Shloka 16.23: yaḥ śhāstra-vidhim utsṛijya vartate kāma-kārataḥ | na sa siddhim avāpnoti na sukhaṁ na parāṁ gatim || 16.23 ||

English:  Those who act under the influence of desire, disregarding the injunctions of the scriptures, attain neither perfection, happiness, nor the supreme destination.

Hindi:  जो लोग शास्त्रों के आदेशों को त्यागकर इच्छा के अनुसार कार्य करते हैं, वे न तो सिद्धि प्राप्त करते हैं, न सुख, और न ही परम गंतव्य।

 

Shloka 16.24: tasmāch chhāstraṁ pramāṇaṁ te kāryākārya-vyavasthitau | jñātvā śhāstra-vidhānoktaṁ karma kartum ihārhasi || 16.24 ||

English:  Therefore, let the scriptures be your authority in determining what should be done and what should not be done. Understand the injunctions of the scriptures and act accordingly here.

Hindi:  इसलिए, शास्त्रों को अपना अधिकार मानो कि क्या करना चाहिए और क्या नहीं करना चाहिए। शास्त्रों के आदेशों को समझो और उसके अनुसार ही कार्य करो।

 

Here is a comprehensive summary of the chapter:

 

Chapter 16 of the Bhagavad Gita, titled ‘Daivasura-Sampad-Vibhāga Yoga’, which means ‘The Yoga of Division Between the Divine and Demoniac Natures’, presents a clear distinction between the qualities that lead to spiritual liberation and those that lead to bondage. In this chapter, Krishna provides an insightful analysis of human nature, categorizing individuals based on their divine or demoniac traits.

The Divine and Demoniac Natures (Verses 1-6)

Krishna begins Chapter 16 by listing the divine qualities that are conducive to a righteous and enlightened life, as well as the demoniac traits that lead individuals towards destruction and spiritual degradation.

Divine Qualities (Daivi Sampad)

Krishna outlines the following as divine qualities, which are conducive to liberation:

• Fearlessness (Abhayam): The absence of fear, especially when it comes to spiritual progress.
• Purity of Heart (Sattva-Samśuddhi): Inner and outer cleanliness.
• Perseverance in Knowledge and Yoga (Jñāna-Yoga-Vyavasthiti): Dedication to knowledge and spiritual practice.
• Charity (Dānam): Generosity towards others without expecting anything in return.
• Self-Control (Dama): Controlling the senses to prevent them from distracting the mind.
• Sacrifice (Yajña): Willingness to offer what one has for the benefit of others and the divine.
• Non-violence (Ahiṁsā): Avoiding harm to all living beings.
• Truthfulness (Satyam): Being honest and straightforward.
• Compassion (Dayā) and Absence of Greed (Aloluptva): Empathy for others and freedom from selfish desires.

These divine qualities help in self-realization and bring one closer to the Supreme Divine. A person endowed with these traits attains inner peace and liberation.

Demoniac Qualities (Asuri Sampad)

In contrast, Krishna describes demoniac qualities, which are characterized by:

• Hypocrisy (Dambha): Pretending to have virtues that one lacks.
• Arrogance (Darpa) and Pride (Abhimāna): A sense of superiority over others.
• Anger (Krodha): Frequent and uncontrollable outbursts.
• Harshness (Pāruṣhya): Being rude and inconsiderate towards others.
• Ignorance (Ajñāna): The absence of true knowledge and wisdom.

Individuals with these traits are caught in the cycle of material bondage. They lack purity and are driven by self-centered ambitions, disregarding spiritual values.

Divine and Demoniac Paths (Verses 7-9)

Krishna explains that those with divine qualities are naturally inclined towards righteousness and understanding the true purpose of life, whereas those with demoniac qualities do not know what is right or wrong. The demoniac individuals:

• Are confused about what constitutes appropriate conduct and what does not.
• Reject spiritual values and consider the material world to be without any foundation or higher purpose. They view the world as an outcome of mere lust, denying the existence of any Supreme Being.
• Their worldview is limited, and they consider material pleasures to be the ultimate goal of life, indulging in selfish pursuits.

Characteristics of Demoniac Behavior (Verses 10-20)

Krishna describes in greater detail the behavior and mindset of those who possess demoniac traits:

• Endless Desires: They are filled with insatiable desires that drive them to seek sensual gratification without any moral or ethical consideration. This leads them to worry endlessly and accumulate wealth by unlawful means.
• Arrogance and Delusion: They are often intoxicated with their sense of power and wealth. They take pride in what they have accumulated and believe that their material success reflects their superiority.
• Hypocritical Sacrifices: The demoniac individuals may perform rituals and sacrifices, but these are done with ostentation and not out of devotion or humility. Their aim is to impress others and feed their ego.
• Hostility Towards God: These individuals hate the Supreme and act out of spite towards all beings. Blinded by ego and anger, they are unable to recognize the divine essence within themselves and others.
• Destined for Lower Births: Krishna states that demoniac individuals, due to their negative karma, are reborn into lower forms of life and eventually sink further into spiritual ignorance. Their path leads them to hellish conditions and further bondage.

The Three Gates to Hell (Verses 21-22)

Krishna identifies three primary traits that lead individuals to a hellish existence:

• Lust (Kāma): Excessive and uncontrolled desires that cause individuals to seek pleasure without concern for others.
• Anger (Krodha): The emotional reaction that arises when desires are thwarted, leading to irrational actions and harm.
• Greed (Lobha): The endless craving for more material wealth and power, leading to unethical behavior.

Krishna advises that a person should abandon these three gateways to avoid degradation of the soul. Freedom from these traits paves the way for a life conducive to self-realization and ultimately reaching the supreme destination.

The Importance of Following Scriptural Guidance (Verses 23-24)

Krishna emphasizes the importance of adhering to the guidance provided by the scriptures. Those who disregard the scriptures and act according to their desires do not achieve perfection, happiness, or liberation.

• Scriptures serve as an authoritative guide for determining what actions are right and wrong. Krishna instructs that one must understand and act according to the teachings of the scriptures to lead a righteous and fulfilling life.

Key Teachings of Chapter 16:

1. Division Between Divine and Demoniac Natures:
   • Divine qualities lead to liberation and bring an individual closer to their higher spiritual potential. These include virtues like fearlessness, compassion, truthfulness, and humility.
   • Demoniac qualities, such as hypocrisy, arrogance, anger, and greed, lead to bondage and degradation. Such individuals are trapped in a cycle of material existence and are unable to experience true peace or spiritual growth.
2. The Path of Liberation Versus Bondage:
   • Divine nature is characterized by alignment with higher values and spiritual wisdom. This alignment enables the individual to rise above the material world and experience spiritual liberation.
   • Demoniac nature traps individuals in a cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. Due to their unethical behavior and focus on materialism, these individuals are destined to experience lower births and a hellish existence.
3. Three Gates to Hell:
   • Krishna explicitly warns against lust, anger, and greed, which are the gateways to hell. These traits lead individuals towards a downward spiral, resulting in further entanglement in the material world.
   • By abandoning these negative qualities, individuals can free themselves from spiritual degradation and progress towards self-realization and divine grace.
4. Scriptural Authority:
   • Krishna stresses the importance of following the scriptures as a guide for moral and righteous living. The Vedic teachings offer direction on what actions should be taken to ensure a path towards liberation.
   • Disregarding scriptural wisdom leads to chaos, unhappiness, and an inability to reach the supreme goal of life.

Chapter 16 of the Bhagavad Gita presents a profound discussion on the qualities that define the divine and demoniac natures within individuals. Krishna highlights that each person possesses a combination of traits, but it is crucial to cultivate divine qualities and consciously work on eliminating demoniac tendencies. Divine qualities such as fearlessness, compassion, and humility help elevate the soul towards liberation, while demoniac traits such as hypocrisy, arrogance, anger, and greed lead to bondage and spiritual downfall.

Krishna provides practical guidance by identifying lust, anger, and greed as the three gateways to hell and urging individuals to avoid these negative tendencies. He further emphasizes the importance of adhering to scriptural wisdom to ensure that one's actions are righteous and conducive to spiritual growth.

The essence of this chapter is to encourage individuals to recognize the dual forces at play within them and choose the path that leads to liberation and union with the Divine. By cultivating divine virtues, seeking guidance from scriptures, and renouncing negative qualities, one can rise above the material world and attain eternal peace and fulfillment in the Supreme Divine.