तेजः क्षमा धृतिः शौचम् अद्रोहो नातिमानिता। भवन्ति सम्पदं दैवीम् अभिजातस्य भारत।।16.3।।
tejaḥ kṣamā dhṛtiḥ śaucam adroho nātimānitaḥ bhavanti sampadaṁ daivīmabhijātasya bhārata
Translation
Vital power, forgiveness, fortitude, purity, non‑deceit and the absence of excessive pride become the divine wealth of the one who is born of a noble lineage, O descendant of Bharata.
Word Meanings
तेजः — vitality; क्षमा — forgiveness; धृतिः — fortitude; शौचम् — purity; अद्रोहः — non-deceit; नातिमानिता — absence of excessive pride; भवन्ति — become; सम्पदम् — wealth; दैवीम् — divine; अभिजातस्य — of one born; भारत — O descendant of Bharata
Understanding the Verse
Verse 3 of Chapter 16 enumerates the qualities that constitute true, divine prosperity. The first quality, "tejaḥ" (vital power), refers not merely to physical strength but to the inner radiance that arises from a disciplined mind and a heart aligned with dharma. This vigor enables a person to act decisively in the face of challenges, fostering confidence without slipping into arrogance.
"Kṣamā" (forgiveness) follows as a cornerstone of spiritual maturity. In the battlefield of life, grudges imprison the soul, whereas forgiveness liberates it, allowing the seeker to move forward without the burden of past offenses. This quality creates a fertile ground for harmonious relationships and inner peace.
"Dhṛtiḥ" (fortitude) signifies steadfastness and resolve. It is the mental iron that supports one through trials, ensuring that temporary setbacks do not derail the higher purpose. Fortitude, when coupled with humility, prevents the ego from mistaking resilience for superiority.
The verse then mentions "śaucam" (purity). Purity extends beyond physical cleanliness; it encompasses a clean conscience, pure thoughts, and an untainted intention. A pure mind perceives reality without the distortion of selfish desires, making it receptive to divine wisdom.
"Adroha" (non‑deceit) emphasizes truthfulness in action and speech. Deceit erodes trust, which is essential for a cohesive society and for the individual's relationship with the Self. By avoiding manipulation, one cultivates sincerity, which is essential for spiritual growth.
Lastly, "na‑ati‑mānita" (absence of excessive pride) warns against the subtle trap of hubris that can arise even in those who possess all the aforementioned virtues. True humility acknowledges that accomplishments are gifts from the divine, not solely personal achievements.
When these six qualities are present, the verse declares that "sampadaṁ daivīm" – divine wealth – is attained. This wealth is not material affluence but a profound inner richness that manifests as clarity, compassion, inner peace, and alignment with the Supreme. The address to "Bharata" (the progeny of King Bharata) reminds the listener that these virtues are the birthright of every soul who embraces the divine lineage. In essence, the verse outlines a roadmap: by cultivating vitality, forgiveness, fortitude, purity, truthfulness, and humility, one unlocks the highest form of prosperity – the timeless, unshakable treasure of spiritual illumination.
