Lord Krishna begins by describing the 26 divine qualities: *1) abhayam* is fearlessness due to the absence of anxiety which arises from the dread of harm to the physical body or the prospect of losing what is precious. *2) sattva-samsuddhih* is purification of one's existence and denotes purity of heart consisting of pure goodness undefiled with the taint of passion and ignorance. *3) jnana-yoga-vyavasthitih* means situated in the knowledge of devotion resulting from discriminating the *atma* or immortal soul from physical matter as the individual consciousness attains communion with the ultimate consciousness. *4) danam* is the charity given to worthy recipients from what one legitimately owns. *5) damah* is self restraint, controlling the mind to be uninfluenced by sense objects. *6) yagna* is Vedically authorised ritualistic ceremonies in propitiation and devotion to the Supreme Lord Krishna exclusively for His satisfaction without any self interests. This also applies to His authorised incarnations and expansions. *7) svadhyayah* is devoted study of Vedic scriptures, knowing that they alone teach the glories of the Supreme Lord and are the quintessence of all that is spiritual. *8) tapas* is austerity and penance. Performing expiatory activities is a duty for all human beings such as *Ekadasi* which is mandatory fasting from all grains on the 11th day of the waxing and waning moons. As well there are occasional expiatory activities such as * candrayana* which are fasts synchronised with the cycles of the moon and also *kricchra* which is extreme ascetic penance performed under very hot or very cold conditions and *prajapatya* and *santapana.* Such activities purifies an aspirant and prepares and qualifies them for devotion to the Supreme Lord. *9) arjavam* is simplicity, straight forwardness to others in thought, word and deeds. *10) ahimsa* is non-violence to all living entities by thought, word and deed. *11) satyam* is truthfulness verily speaking what is true that is beneficial to all beings. *12) akrodah* is freedom from anger due to absence of resentment for others. *13) tyagah* is renunciation of whatever is opposed to *atma-tattva* or soul realisation. o *14) santih* is tranquillity, keeping the senses peaceful and impervious to agitation. *15) apaisunam* is aversion to fault finding and slandering others even if warranted. *16) daya* is mercy, sympathy for life, empathy for the distress and misery of others. *17) aloluptvam* is absence of greed for sense gratification. *18) mardavam* is gentleness and humility which is appropriate for saintly association. *19) hrih* is modesty, the feeling of shame at the thought of anything inappropriate. *20) acapalam* is determination to remain firm against temptations presented to one. *21) tejas* is radiance, luster. The illustrious proof of the efficacy of spiritual practice. *22) ksama* is forgiveness. The absence of vengeful feelings against those harmed by. *23) dhritih* is fortitude. The capacity for righteousness while enduring great duress. *24) saucam* is cleanliness both internally and externally to be spiritually worthy. *25) adrohah* is absence of envy, non-interference in the interests of others. *26) natimanita* absence of false ego, lack of desire for honour and prestige.
The divine qualities and nature are for those aspiring to activate their divinity following the time tested eternal, divine ordinances and injunctions as revealed in the Vedic scriptures by the Supreme Lord Krishna. Their virtues of these 26 qualities are revealed by following them and living them in this manner. The word *abhijatasya* refers to those who were born with the divine nature destined to follow the divine path and who are naturally in harmony with divinity.
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