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-
Notes from Radhakrishnan’s commentary on BG
2 The teacher has set forth the distinctive qualities of those who are seeking for the divine perfection. Now he states the qualities to those who aim at power, glory and easy life. The distinction is neither exclusive nor comprehensive. Many beings partake of the natures of both.
8 The world presided over by ä÷vara conforms to a settled order, where things proceed from others according to law and the materialists deny the order in the world and hold that things arise anyhow. They believe that there is no regular succession and that the world is there only for the sake of enjoyment.
14 The temptation to achieve power and exercise sovereignty has been widespread.
The disposition to dominate others has made man a slave. The divine souls reject
the temptation as Jesus did in the wilderness. But the demoniac souls accept these
ends and exalt pride, self-
20 We are advised to shake off this demoniac nature. This does not mean predestination, for it is said that it is always open to us to turn godward and achieve perfection. It is not impossible at any stage. The Indwelling Spirit is in each soul and that means the hope of immortality is always there. Even the greatest sinner, if he turns to God, can achieve freedom. See IV.36.