The sixteenth chapter of the Geeta is known as the Daivasura sampad vibhaga Yoga or the Yoga of the difference between the divine and the devil. Ethics talks of a number of virtues as well as vices. To shun vices and walk on the path of virtues is the right way of self evolution. In the present chapter the Geeta gives a description of the divine qualities which quicken the self development and culture.

 

Altogether twenty six divine traits are outlined by the Geeta . Fearlessness, purity, firmness in the Yoga of knowledge, charity, control of senses, sacrifice, study of scriptures, penance, straightforwardness, nonviolence, truth, absence of anger, renunciation, peacefulness, absence of crookedness, kindness to beings, non covetousness, gentleness, modesty, absence of fickleness, lustre, forgiveness, fortitude, cleanliness, absence of hatred and non preposterousness are the divine qualities. These are the attributes of noble and cultured persons. According to neuroscience, the above qualities are the products of a harmonised and balanced personality.

 

It is the beauty of the Geeta that it never talks of any particular ideology, label or identity to become noble and divine. Any person can cultivate these noble traits and rise on the scale of human evolution. On the other hand, hypocrisy, arrogance, self conceit, rage, harshness and ignorance are the devilish traits. The divine qualities lead to enlightenment and liberation, whereas devilish traits are the cause of bondage and suffering. The entire humanity is divided into these two categories. Demonic beings are ignorant about what to do or not. Their behavior is not in harmony and they do not conduct themselves properly. Demonic elements do not understand the deeper dimensions of the universe and they do not believe in any universal truth and values.

 

They consider the cosmos just as a chance, not engineered and run by some intelligent forces. Filled with insatiable desires and delusions, they destroy the harmony of the world. Their intentions and resolve are always impure. They always strive for the gratification of lust. Always restless and stressful, these demonic forces pile and hoard wealth for aggrandisement and sensual pleasures. Arrogance is so high that they consider everything belonging to them. They consider themselves as lords above everyone. They do not believe in equality. If they do something good, it is always for pomp and show. Addicted to power and self glorification, these demonic persons are highly cruel and merciless. Always behaving in a malicious manner, these devilish elements do not believe in the law of action. Hence, they indulge in what gives them instant pleasures and enjoyment.

 

As a result of bad physical, verbal and mental acts, such persons suffer in hellish conditions. Even after death they carry these impure and bad impressions with their subtle existence and keep on suffering. These persons never attain perfection and a happy state of the mind. All these demonic traits have their origin in the triad of insatiable desires, uncontrollable anger and greed , the cause of hellish mental state. Therefore, it is advisable to follow the wisdom and the teachings of the seers and sages. Like Positive Psychology, this chapter of the Geeta offers insights into the skills and traits leading to inner peace and self unfoldment through cultivation of self control ,positive attitude and coherent behavior. (The writer is Former DG Police & CG, Homeguards, Maharashtra) ■