Chapter 16 Verse 5
Daivāsura Sampad Vibhāg Yog
दैवी सम्पद्विमोक्षाय निबन्धायासुरी मता।मा शुचः सम्पदं दैवीमभिजातोऽसि पाण्डव।।16.5।।
daivī sampad vimokṣhāya nibandhāyāsurī matā mā śhuchaḥ sampadaṁ daivīm abhijāto ’si pāṇḍava
Word Meanings
| daivī | divine |
| sampat | qualities |
| vimokṣhāya | toward liberation |
| nibandhāya | to bondage |
| āsurī | demoniac qualities |
| matā | are considered |
| mā | do not |
| śhuchaḥ | grieve |
| sampadam | virtues |
| daivīm | saintly |
| abhijātaḥ | born |
| asi | you are |
| pāṇḍava | Arjun, the son of Pandu |
Translation
The divine nature is deemed conducive to liberation, and the demonic to bondage. Grieve not, O Arjuna, for you are born with divine endowments.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse draws a clear contrast: qualities that lift you toward freedom (like compassion, truthfulness, self-control) lead to liberation, while traits rooted in selfishness and anger bind you to more suffering. It is a simple map of how inner qualities shape your life.
Krishna reassures Arjuna not to grieve because he is born with divine qualities. The message is both comforting and empowering: your deeper nature supports right action and inner growth.
At the same time, the verse implies responsibility. Being born with good qualities is a blessing, but you still need to cultivate them and avoid repeating harmful habits that bring bondage.
Life Application
- Notice one reactive habit (anger, craving, laziness). When it appears, pause, breathe, and choose one small, constructive response instead.
- Build a simple daily practice that strengthens good qualities: a brief morning reflection, honest work, or a small act of kindness.
- Treat failures gently; remind yourself of your deeper nature and calmly return to practices that free you from negative patterns.
Reflection Question
What one small change can I make today to move toward inner freedom?