Krishna lists characteristics of saintly persons — Qualities that elevate us on the banyan tree and ultimately lead to liberation
aMain theme of Chapter 16 –Chapter 16 explains the transcendental and demoniac natures and their attendant qualities (Relationship of these qualities with the modes), also there are advantages and disadvantages
bConnection to Chapter 15 — Extra roots of the banyan tree were also compared to the activities of the living entities, some auspicious and some inauspicious.
cHow these qualities, either demoniac or divine, develop — By association with particular modes
Develops from mode of passion and ignorance
Activities in the modes of passion and ignorance – No possibility of liberation. Their destiny is as follows:
Either one stays as human in material world, or
Descends to lower forms like animal species etc.
Develops from mode of goodness
Importance of activities in the mode of goodness – Such activities are called ‘daivi-prakrti’ (transcendental by nature); they are considered auspicious for progress on the path of liberation
fAll these 26 divine qualities are explained as transcendental qualities — They are meant for making progress in spiritual understanding, so that one can get liberation from the material world
gImportance of the word ‘Abhijatasya’ — Implies “One born of” – (in this verse it refers to one born of transcendental qualities / godly tendencies)
Ref. Vedic scriptures – It is very important to beget a child in godly atmosphere
‘Garbhadhana-samskara’ recommended – It implies to ‘beget a child’ in godly atmosphere
To have a child with godly qualities, one should follow the 10 principles for social life of a human being
Ref. Bg. 7.11 – “I am sex life which is not contrary to religious principles”
hBasis of cultivating qualities — These qualities are cultivated according to the different statuses of social and occupational order
iOne can develop by practice — Even though material conditions are miserable, if these qualities are developed by practice, by all classes of men, then gradually it is possible to rise to the highest platform of transcendental realization.
jSymptom of a divine personality — Leads a regulated life according to the injunctions of the scriptures
Not meant to divide society according to birth
Only basis is educational qualifications – guna and karma
Purpose – To keep society in peace and prosperity
The Sannyasi is the head or spiritual master of all social statuses and orders, including brahmanas
Brahmana is the spiritual master of other three social orders SUMMARIZED THEME 16A THE DIVINE QUALITIES VARNA OR ASHRAMA QUALITY Class of society who should COMMENT especially cultivate the quality
1Fearlessness Sannyasa (First qualification • Complete dependence on Supreme Lord’s Mercy (Abhayam) for a sannyasi) • Has to be alone without guarantee of support
Convinced that Paramatma will give all protection to surrendered soul
2Purification of Sannyasis • Strictly following rules and regulations one’s existence • Especially forbidden intimate association with (Sattva- women samsuddhih) o e.g. Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu was personally very strict, and
e.g. Lord Caitanya Mahaprabhu punishing Chota Haridas
3Cultivation of Sannyasa • Duty of a Sannyasi — Must cultivate and give knowledge transcendental knowledge, especially to (Jnana-yoga- householders vyavasthiti) • Humility – Begs from door to door to awaken Krishna consciousness for others
4Charity Grhastha • Given in the mode of goodness – Right time, place and person
Spend 50% of their income to propagate Krishna consciousness
Charity in passion and ignorance is a waste of time
5Self-control All (Especially Grhasthas) • Especially sex life should be used only for (Dama) propagating Krishna conscious children (Ref Bg. 7.11)
6Sacrifice Grhasthas • Requires material resources (Agni-hotra yajna), (Yajna) therefore especially Grhasthas
Sankirtan-yajna is the best
Anyone can do (no qualification required)
7Vedic study Brahmacaris (Student life) • Recommendation for Brahmacaris is celibacy and (Svadhyaya) engagement of mind in the study of Vedic literatures
8Austerity All (Especially • Human life (and therefore Vedic Culture) is meant (Tapas) Varnaprasthas) for liberation. For that tapasya is a must
One must retire after household life approximately 50 years of age
Austerity can be of body, mind and tongue
Refutes show-bottle spiritualists who says that there is no need of austerity in life and one can go on speculating – Such philosophy attracts many followers
9Simplicity All • Simple and straightforward
10Non-violence All • Non-violence implies ‘not checking progressive (Ahimsa) life of any living entity’
11Truthfulness All • Not distort the truth for some personal interest, (Satyam) especially Vedic instructions