Bhagavad Gita · Verse 16.1
Chapter 16: Daivasura Sampad Vibhaga Yoga (दैवासुरसम्पद्विभागयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
अभयं सत्त्वसंशुद्धिर्ज्ञानयोगव्यवस्थितिः । दानं दमश्च यज्ञश्च स्वाध्यायस्तप आर्जवम् ॥१॥
abhayaṃ sattvasaṃśuddhirjñānayogavyavasthitiḥ | dānaṃ damaśca yajñaśca svādhyāyastapa ārjavam ||1||
Complete Shloka Translation
The Lord said: Fearlessness, purity of inner being, steadfastness in the yoga of knowledge, generosity, self-restraint, sacrifice, study of sacred teachings, austerity and straightforwardness—
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| अभय | abhaya | fearlessness |
| आर्जव | ārjava | straightforwardness |
| अभयं | abhayaṃ | [term] in context of The Lord said: Fearlessness, p... |
| सत्त्वसंशुद्धिर्ज्ञानयोगव्यवस्थितिः | sattvasaṃśuddhirjñānayogavyavasthitiḥ | [term] in context of The Lord said: Fearlessness, p... |
| दानं | dānaṃ | [term] in context of The Lord said: Fearlessness, p... |
| दमश्च | damaśca | [term] in context of The Lord said: Fearlessness, p... |
| यज्ञश्च | yajñaśca | [term] in context of The Lord said: Fearlessness, p... |
| स्वाध्यायस्तप | svādhyāyastapa | [term] in context of The Lord said: Fearlessness, p... |
| आर्जवम् | ārjavam | [term] in context of The Lord said: Fearlessness, p... |
fearlessness
straightforwardness
[term] in context of The Lord said: Fearlessness, p...
[term] in context of The Lord said: Fearlessness, p...
[term] in context of The Lord said: Fearlessness, p...
[term] in context of The Lord said: Fearlessness, p...
[term] in context of The Lord said: Fearlessness, p...
[term] in context of The Lord said: Fearlessness, p...
[term] in context of The Lord said: Fearlessness, p...
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
This list continues through 16.3 and describes daivi sampad, qualities conducive to spiritual freedom. Fearlessness is joined with purity, study and restraint, so courage is grounded in integrity rather than recklessness; svadhyaya includes study and recitation of sacred texts.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Choose one quality to practice deliberately in today's decisions."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
Which divine quality will you practice today?
Modern Life Implementation (Practical Real-Life Application)
Apply this verse to master daily focus: anchor your consciousness in higher values, let go of anxious attachment to results, and act with integrity and kindness in every endeavor.