Bhagavad Gita 16.3 — Tejah Kshama Dhritih Shaucham
श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता 16.3 — तेजः क्षमा धृतिः शौचम्
Also known as: tejah kshama dhritih · bhagavad gita 16.3 · gita chapter 16 verse 3 · daivi sampad gita · divine qualities shloka
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✦ Meaning
In the chapter on the divine and demoniac natures, Krishna completes his list of the daivi sampad — the wealth of divine qualities. This verse names vigor, forgiveness, fortitude, purity, freedom from malice and freedom from vanity as belonging to one born for a divine destiny. It is a portrait of noble, godly character.
Origin & Story
Bhagavad Gita Chapter 16, Verse 3 · Bhagavan Sri Krishna (as recorded by Maharishi Veda Vyasa) · Ancient (part of the Mahabharata, c. 5th–2nd century BCE in present form)
Chapter 16, the Yoga of the Divine and Demoniac Natures, opens with Krishna cataloguing the qualities of those born to a godly destiny. This verse completes that opening list of around twenty-six divine virtues, after which Krishna turns to describe the contrasting demoniac traits. The passage has long served as a touchstone for sattvic self-cultivation.
✦ As told in scripture
Tradition teaches that one who consciously fosters the divine qualities of this verse gradually transcends the lower nature; the saints describe such virtues as a wealth no misfortune can steal, leading steadily toward freedom.
The Mantra
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तेजः क्षमा धृतिः शौचमद्रोहो नातिमानिता। भवन्ति सम्पदं दैवीमभिजातस्य भारत॥
tejaḥ kṣhamā dhṛitiḥ śhaucham adroho nāti-mānitā bhavanti sampadaṁ daivīm abhijātasya bhārata
Meaning:Vigor, forgiveness, fortitude, purity, absence of hatred, absence of pride—these belong to one born for a divine state, O Arjuna.
Word-by-Word Meaning
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Benefits of Chanting Bhagavad Gita 16.3 — Tejah Kshama Dhritih Shaucham
Enumerates the daivi sampad — the divine qualities of a noble soul
Cultivates vigor (tejas), forgiveness (kshama) and fortitude (dhriti)
Encourages purity, absence of malice and freedom from vanity
Describes the character that leads toward liberation, not bondage
A daily inspiration for developing godly, sattvic virtues
Helps the seeker recognise and nurture their higher divine nature
How to Chant Bhagavad Gita 16.3 — Tejah Kshama Dhritih Shaucham
Recite the verse and contemplate each divine quality — vigor, forgiveness, fortitude, purity, malice-free goodwill, humility. Resolve to express one of them consciously through the day. Krishna lists these as the marks of one 'born for a divine state,' so let the chant orient your character toward that divine endowment (daivi sampad).
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