दैवी सम्पद्विमोक्षाय निबन्धायासुरी मता।मा शुचः सम्पदं दैवीमभिजातोऽसि पाण्डव।।16.5।।
daivī sampad vimokṣāya nibandhāy āsurī matā | mā śucaḥ sampadam daivīm abhijātaḥ asi pāṇḍava ||16.5||
Translation
The divine qualities lead to liberation, while the demoniac qualities are the cause of bondage. Do not grieve, O Pandava, you are born of divine nature.
Word Meanings
daivī — transcendental; sampad — assets; vimokṣāya — meant for liberation; nibandhāya — for bondage; āsurī — demoniac qualities; matā — are considered; mā — do not; śucaḥ — worry; sampadam — assets; daivīm — transcendental; abhijātaḥ — born of; asi — you are; pāṇḍava — O son of Pāṇḍu.
Understanding the Verse
Verse 16.5 of the Bhagavad Gita draws a stark contrast between two sets of qualities – the divine (daivī) and the demoniac (āsurī). The divine qualities are described as "sampad" (assets) that are specifically suited for "vimokṣāya" – liberation from the cycle of birth and death. In contrast, the demoniac qualities are "nibandhāya" – for bondage, binding the soul to continued suffering and material existence. This dichotomy underscores the Gita's central teaching that the moral and spiritual character of a person determines their ultimate destiny.
Krishna emphasizes that the divine qualities are not merely abstract virtues but are "assets" that empower a soul to transcend material limitations. Qualities such as fearlessness, purity of heart, self‑control, and unwavering devotion are considered divine because they purify the mind and direct it toward the Supreme. These are the very qualities that nurture a seeker’s progress toward moksha, the final emancipation from samsara.
On the other hand, the demoniac qualities – often characterized by egoism, aggression, falsehood, and attachment – are described as "nibandhāya". These traits create mental shackles, fostering ignorance (avidyā) and leading to endless cycles of desire and dissatisfaction. A mind entrenched in these qualities cannot perceive the truth of the Self and remains engrossed in the illusion of the material world.
Krishna’s instruction to Arjuna, "mā śucaḥ", serves as a gentle reassurance. The term "śucaḥ" literally means "to worry" or "to be distressed". By advising Arjuna not to be troubled, Krishna affirms that Arjuna's innate divine nature—his "daivīm" inheritance—ensures his capacity to rise above these demoniac tendencies. This is an essential reminder that one's birth and inherent nature provide a foundation for spiritual growth; yet the effort to cultivate divine qualities must be conscious and sustained.
The verse also carries an implicit call to self‑assessment. By recognizing which qualities dominate one's character, a practitioner can consciously cultivate the divine and purge the demoniac. This process is central to the Gita’s path of dharma (righteous action) and bhakti (devotion). The verse thus functions both as a classification of moral qualities and as a motivational catalyst for spiritual transformation.
Finally, addressing Arjuna as "pāṇḍava" reaffirms his noble lineage and the responsibility that comes with it. The Pandavas, representing righteousness, are exemplars of divine qualities. By reminding Arjuna of his inherent divine inheritance, Krishna underscores that those who rise from such noble roots have a duty to embody and propagate the divine qualities, thereby becoming beacons of liberation for themselves and for others.
