Krishna completes the list of divine qualities: vigor, forgiveness, fortitude, cleanliness, absence of malice, and freedom from excessive pride — these belong to one born with the divine nature, O Arjuna.
Synthesis
This verse completes the divine qualities with vigor, forgiveness, fortitude, cleanliness, absence of malice, and freedom from excessive pride. The traditions converge on a remarkable insight: strength and humility are complementary, not contradictory. Shankara sees cleanliness as both external and the inner transparency needed for Self-inquiry. Ramanuja teaches that freedom from pride comes from recognizing all abilities as divine gifts. Madhva emphasizes that vigor and fortitude are bestowed by the Lord upon devoted souls. Abhinavagupta interprets tejas (vigor) as the radiance of consciousness itself expressing through a purified being, with humility arising naturally from knowing the Self is infinite. Vallabha teaches that grace restores these inherent qualities to the soul. The bhakti tradition understands forgiveness as trust in divine justice. Tilak makes the practical argument that these qualities — energy, patience, humility — are indispensable for effective social action. Vivekananda insists that spiritual vigor is as essential as physical courage, declaring that weakness is not an option for those who would serve humanity. Together, these three verses present a comprehensive character ideal that is active, compassionate, disciplined, and humble.
Commentaries 8 traditions
Shankara notes that these twenty-six qualities collectively constitute daivi sampat — the divine wealth. They are not separate attainments but aspects of the single movement toward Self-knowledge. Fortitude (dhṛti) and vigor (tejas) ensure the seeker does not falter, while forgiveness and non-malice prevent the accumulation of new karmic bonds.
Apply This Verse
Personal Growth
True strength combines vigor with forgiveness. The most resilient people are not those who never bend but those who maintain fortitude while releasing grudges and staying free from the need for superiority.
Questions this verse answers
- ?"How do I develop real inner strength and vigor?"
- ?"I struggle to forgive — how do I let go?"
- ?"How do I stay strong without becoming arrogant?"
- ?"What does fortitude look like in everyday life?"