Gita 16.1
Daivasura Sampad Vibhaga Yoga
श्रीभगवानुवाच | अभयं सत्त्वसंशुद्धिर्ज्ञानयोगव्यवस्थितिः | दानं दमश्च यज्ञश्च स्वाध्यायस्तप आर्जवम् ||१||
śrī-bhagavān uvāca | abhayaṁ sattva-saṁśuddhir jñāna-yoga-vyavasthitiḥ | dānaṁ damaś ca yajñaś ca svādhyāyas tapa ārjavam ||1||
In essence: The divine nature begins with fearlessness and purity—the twin foundations upon which all other virtues naturally grow.
A conversation between a seeker and guide to help you feel this verse deeply
Sadhak-Guru Dialogue
Sadhak: "Guruji, why does Krishna start with fearlessness? I would have expected love or devotion to come first."
Guru: "Think carefully—can a frightened person truly love? Fear contracts, love expands. Can a fearful heart be generous, truthful, or steady in wisdom?"
Sadhak: "No... fear makes us grasp, protect ourselves, hide the truth. But how can I become fearless? There is so much uncertainty in life."
Guru: "Exactly. Fear arises from identification with what can be lost—the body, possessions, relationships, reputation. What cannot be lost cannot be feared. What are you, ultimately?"
Sadhak: "The teachings say I am the eternal Self..."
Guru: "Not the teachings say—do you know it? The one who fears death, who fears loss—is that one real? Or is it a case of mistaken identity? When you see through the mistake, fear dissolves at its root. Then every other divine quality becomes possible."
Sadhak: "So fearlessness is not courage in the face of danger, but recognition that the one who would be harmed does not truly exist as I imagine?"
Guru: "Now you understand why it is placed first. Not cultivated bravery, but recognition of what you truly are. From that recognition, sattva-saṁśuddhi follows naturally—the heart becomes pure when it is no longer polluted by fear's contractions."
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🌅 Daily Practice
Begin each day by connecting to the fearless dimension of your being. Before the mind activates its usual worries, rest for a few moments in the awareness that is prior to all concerns. Ask: 'What in me cannot be threatened?' This morning recognition sets the tone for the day.
When fear arises—whether about work, relationships, health, or the future—pause and trace it to its root. Fear always assumes something real can be lost. Ask: 'What am I protecting? Is it really me?' This inquiry, practiced in daily moments, gradually loosens fear's grip. Also practice dāna by giving something freely without expectation.
Review the day through the lens of these qualities. Where did fear contract you? Where did you act from purity? Without judgment, simply notice. Before sleep, affirm your identity as the deathless awareness that has nothing to fear. Sleep held by this understanding transforms rest into spiritual practice.