Bhagavad Gita 16.5 — Divine Nature Leads to Liberation, Demoniac Nature to Bondage
दैवी सम्पद्विमोक्षाय निबन्धायासुरी मता ।
मा शुचः सम्पदं दैवीमभिजातोऽसि पाण्डव ॥ १६.५ ॥
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The divine qualities lead to liberation, while the demoniac qualities lead to bondage. Do not grieve, O Arjuna, son of Pandu, for you are born with divine qualities.
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| daivī | divine |
| sampat | endowment, qualities |
| vimokṣhāya | for liberation |
| nibandhāya | for bondage |
| āsurī | demoniac |
| matā | is considered, is regarded |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| mā | do not |
| śhuchaḥ | grieve, worry |
| sampadam | endowment, qualities |
| daivīm | divine |
| abhijātaḥ | born with |
| asi | you are |
| pāṇḍava | O son of Pandu (Arjuna) |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| daivī | divine | mā | do not |
| sampat | endowment, qualities | śhuchaḥ | grieve, worry |
| vimokṣhāya | for liberation | sampadam | endowment, qualities |
| nibandhāya | for bondage | daivīm | divine |
| āsurī | demoniac | abhijātaḥ | born with |
| matā | is considered, is regarded | asi | you are |
| pāṇḍava | O son of Pandu (Arjuna) | ||
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
In this verse, Lord Krishna reveals the destination to which each of the two natures leads: the divine endowment leads to liberation, the demoniac to bondage. He then turns personally to Arjuna with a message of reassurance, telling him not to grieve because he is born with divine qualities.
Essence
Two Paths, Two Destinations
Daivī sampad vimokṣāya (the divine endowment leads to liberation): Qualities such as fearlessness, compassion, truthfulness, and humility gradually loosen the knots of ego and desire. A person living in this way becomes lighter inside, and this lightness is the beginning of mokṣa, freedom from the cycle of suffering and rebirth.
Āsurī nibandhāya (the demoniac endowment leads to bondage): Hypocrisy, arrogance, anger, and ignorance tighten the chains. Each selfish act creates new desires, new fears, and new consequences, binding the person ever more firmly to the cycle of karma.
It is important to see that liberation and bondage are not rewards and punishments handed out from outside. They are the natural results of the inner state we cultivate. A mind full of compassion and truth feels free even in difficult circumstances; a mind full of pride and anger feels trapped even in comfort.
Lord Krishna's Reassurance to Arjuna
Mā śucaḥ (do not grieve): Arjuna had been overwhelmed by sorrow and doubt from the very beginning of the Gita. Here Lord Krishna gently tells him not to grieve, for he is abhijāto 'si daivīṁ sampadam, born with the divine endowment. Arjuna's compassion, humility, and hunger for truth are themselves signs of this inheritance.
This is a profound moment of encouragement. The Lord does not only teach; He also affirms. A seeker who is struggling often needs to be reminded that the very struggle is a sign of a sincere heart.
Message for Everyday Life (Do Not Lose Heart)
Recognize your own good qualities: Many sincere people become discouraged when they see their own faults. This verse reminds us that the desire to improve is itself a divine quality.
Practical approach: When you feel that you are not good enough, recall the times you acted with honesty, kindness, or courage. Build on those. Growth comes more reliably from encouragement than from self-condemnation.
Two Paths, Two Destinations
Daivī sampad vimokṣāya (the divine endowment leads to liberation): Qualities such as fearlessness, compassion, truthfulness, and humility gradually loosen the knots of ego and desire. A person living in this way becomes lighter inside, and this lightness is the beginning of mokṣa, freedom from the cycle of suffering and rebirth.
Āsurī nibandhāya (the demoniac endowment leads to bondage): Hypocrisy, arrogance, anger, and ignorance tighten the chains. Each selfish act creates new desires, new fears, and new consequences, binding the person ever more firmly to the cycle of karma.
It is important to see that liberation and bondage are not rewards and punishments handed out from outside. They are the natural results of the inner state we cultivate. A mind full of compassion and truth feels free even in difficult circumstances; a mind full of pride and anger feels trapped even in comfort.
Lord Krishna's Reassurance to Arjuna
Mā śucaḥ (do not grieve): Arjuna had been overwhelmed by sorrow and doubt from the very beginning of the Gita. Here Lord Krishna gently tells him not to grieve, for he is abhijāto 'si daivīṁ sampadam, born with the divine endowment. Arjuna's compassion, humility, and hunger for truth are themselves signs of this inheritance.
This is a profound moment of encouragement. The Lord does not only teach; He also affirms. A seeker who is struggling often needs to be reminded that the very struggle is a sign of a sincere heart.
Message for Everyday Life (Do Not Lose Heart)
Recognize your own good qualities: Many sincere people become discouraged when they see their own faults. This verse reminds us that the desire to improve is itself a divine quality.
Practical approach: When you feel that you are not good enough, recall the times you acted with honesty, kindness, or courage. Build on those. Growth comes more reliably from encouragement than from self-condemnation.
Next Topic
Lord Krishna has explained that the divine nature leads to liberation and the demoniac to bondage, and has reassured Arjuna of his divine inheritance. He now widens the lens to all of humanity. In the next verse, He states that there are two kinds of beings in this world, and says He will describe the demoniac nature in detail.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
Character is the key to true freedom.
Belief from a guide can awaken hidden strength.
Your habits decide which door you walk through.
Doubt is not destiny.
Goodness is not weakness; it is the path to liberation.
Worry shrinks in the light of self-knowledge.
You become what you consistently choose.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'vimokṣha' (liberation) mean in this verse?
What does 'nibandha' (bondage) refer to?
Why does Krishna say 'mā śhuchaḥ' (do not grieve) to Arjuna?
Does the verse mean one's nature is fixed?
Why is Arjuna called 'pāṇḍava' (son of Pandu) here?
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