Chapter Overview
Chapter 16 presents a stark contrast between two types of human nature: the divine (daivi sampad) and the demoniac (asuri sampad). Krishna lists 26 divine qualities that lead to liberation and describes the characteristics of demoniac nature that lead to bondage. This is a chapter of self-examination - an honest assessment of where we stand.
The chapter is not about external enemies but internal tendencies. Krishna assures Arjuna he has the divine nature, but warns about the three gates to hell: lust, anger, and greed. The solution is to follow the scriptures (shastra) as the guide for right action.
Key Themes
- Divine Qualities: 26 characteristics leading to liberation
- Demoniac Nature: Traits that bind and degrade the soul
- Three Gates of Hell: Lust, anger, and greed as the root destroyers
- Scriptural Guidance: Shastra as the authority for knowing right from wrong
- Self-Assessment: Honest examination of one's own tendencies
Key Verses to Study
abhayam sattva-samshuddhir jnana-yoga-vyavasthitih
"Fearlessness, purity of heart, steadfastness in spiritual knowledge and yoga, charity, self-control, sacrifice, study of the Vedas, austerity, simplicity, nonviolence, truthfulness, freedom from anger, renunciation, peacefulness, aversion to fault-finding, compassion, freedom from greed, gentleness, modesty, steadiness, vigor, forgiveness, fortitude, cleanliness, freedom from envy and pride—these, O son of Bharata, belong to one born with divine nature."
The complete list of divine qualities - a checklist for self-assessment.
daivi sampad vimokshaya nibandhayasuri mata
"The divine qualities are conducive to liberation, and the demoniac to bondage. Do not worry, O son of Pandu, for you are born with divine qualities."
The clear outcome: divine nature liberates, demoniac nature binds. Krishna reassures Arjuna.
pravrittim cha nivrittim cha jana na vidur asurah
"Those who are demoniac do not know what is to be done and what is not to be done. Neither cleanliness nor proper behavior nor truth is found in them. They say that this world is unreal, with no foundation, no God in control. It is produced by sex desire and has no cause other than lust."
The demoniac worldview: nihilism, atheism, and materialism as the basis of life.
tri-vidham narakasyedam dvaram nashanam atmanah
"There are three gates leading to hell—lust, anger, and greed. Every sane man should give these up, for they lead to the degradation of the soul."
The root causes of all demoniac qualities: kama, krodha, and lobha.
tasmac chastram pramanam te karyakarya-vyavasthitau
"One should therefore understand what is duty and what is not duty by the regulations of the scriptures. Knowing such rules and regulations, one should act so that he may gradually be elevated."
The solution: let scripture guide what is right and wrong, not personal whims.
The Three Gates of Hell (16.21-22)
Krishna identifies the three root destroyers of the soul:
- Kama (Lust): Intense desire for sensory pleasure; obsessive wanting; never satisfied
- Krodha (Anger): Arises when desire is blocked; destroys reason and relationships
- Lobha (Greed): Wanting more than needed; hoarding; never enough; leads to unethical action
These three are interconnected: desire frustrated becomes anger; desire fulfilled breeds greed for more. Together they form the cycle that degrades the soul. Krishna says: give these up - they are the doors to self-destruction.