Bhagavad Gītā – Chapter 16 Notes

 

We all have the capability within us of becoming either saints or sinners.  If we want to become a saint, we have to know the nature of sainthood, and that is what Krishna now discusses.  Those of divine character are fearless, pure, generous, self-restrained, austere, non-violent, without anger, serene, compassionate, desireless, gentle, modest, patient, prideless and steady in the yoga of knowledge. (16.1-3).  Those of demonic character are characterised by hypocrisy, arrogance, anger, harshness of language, ignorance, impurity, bad conduct and untruth (16.4-7).  All demoniac qualities spring from desire, anger and greed; however it is possible to break free from the demonic life at any time,  and to develop qualities of the divine (16.21-22).