Gita 16.18
अहङ्कारं बलं दर्पं कामं क्रोधं च संश्रिता: |
मामात्मपरदेहेषु प्रद्विषन्तोऽभ्यसूयका: || 18||
ahankāraṁ balaṁ darpaṁ kāmaṁ krodhaṁ cha sanśhritāḥ
mām ātma-para-deheṣhu pradviṣhanto ’bhyasūyakāḥ
Shree Krishna explains that individuals with a demoniac nature exhibit traits such as cruelty, arrogance, and hostility. They lack virtuous qualities yet constantly find fault in others, driven by an inflated sense of self-importance and jealousy. When opposed in their schemes, they react with anger, causing harm to both others and themselves. In their ignorance and ego, they fail to recognize and respect the divine presence within all beings, including themselves.
Gita 16.19 - 20
तानहं द्विषत: क्रूरान्संसारेषु नराधमान् |
क्षिपाम्यजस्रमशुभानासुरीष्वेव योनिषु || 19||
आसुरीं योनिमापन्ना मूढा जन्मनि जन्मनि |
मामप्राप्यैव कौन्तेय ततो यान्त्यधमां गतिम् || 20||
tān ahaṁ dviṣhataḥ krūrān sansāreṣhu narādhamān
kṣhipāmy ajasram aśhubhān āsurīṣhv eva yoniṣhu
āsurīṁ yonim āpannā mūḍhā janmani janmani
mām aprāpyaiva kaunteya tato yānty adhamāṁ gatim
Shree Krishna explains that those with a demoniac mindset face consequences in future lives by being born into similar environments that reinforce their negative tendencies. Their next birth is determined by their nature and actions, not by personal choice. As a result, such individuals may take birth in lower forms of life, reflecting their degraded consciousness and past karma.
Gita 16.21
त्रिविधं नरकस्येदं द्वारं नाशनमात्मन: |
काम: क्रोधस्तथा लोभस्तस्मादेतत्त्रयं त्यजेत् || 21||
tri-vidhaṁ narakasyedaṁ dvāraṁ nāśhanam ātmanaḥ
kāmaḥ krodhas tathā lobhas tasmād etat trayaṁ tyajet
Shree Krishna explains that lust, anger, and greed are the root causes of a demoniac nature. These arise from uncontrolled desires and gradually corrupt the mind, leading to harmful actions and further vices. He describes them as gateways to self-destruction and advises that anyone seeking true well-being should consciously avoid and overcome these three tendencies.
Gita 16.22
एतैर्विमुक्त: कौन्तेय तमोद्वारैस्त्रिभिर्नर: |
आचरत्यात्मन: श्रेयस्ततो याति परां गतिम् || 22||
etair vimuktaḥ kaunteya tamo-dvārais tribhir naraḥ
ācharaty ātmanaḥ śhreyas tato yāti parāṁ gatim
Shree Krishna explains that by renouncing lust, anger, and greed, one rises above temporary pleasures (preya) that seem sweet at first but end in suffering. With a purified intellect, a person is drawn toward lasting good (shreya), which may feel difficult initially but leads to true happiness. This shift opens the path to spiritual growth and guides the soul toward its highest goal.
Gita 16.23
य: शास्त्रविधिमुत्सृज्य वर्तते कामकारत: |
न स सिद्धिमवाप्नोति न सुखं न परां गतिम् || 23||
yaḥ śhāstra-vidhim utsṛijya vartate kāma-kārataḥ
na sa siddhim avāpnoti na sukhaṁ na parāṁ gatim
Shree Krishna explains that scriptures serve as guiding maps for human life, outlining what should be done (vidhi) and what should be avoided (niṣhedh) to attain perfection. By following these teachings, one progresses toward true knowledge and liberation. However, those with a demoniac nature ignore these instructions, acting on their desires and impulses, and as a result, fail to achieve wisdom, lasting happiness, or freedom from material bondage.
Gita 16.24
तस्माच्छास्त्रं प्रमाणं ते कार्याकार्यव्यवस्थितौ |
ज्ञात्वा शास्त्रविधानोक्तं कर्म कर्तुमिहार्हसि || 24||
tasmāch chhāstraṁ pramāṇaṁ te kāryākārya-vyavasthitau
jñātvā śhāstra-vidhānoktaṁ karma kartum ihārhasi
Shree Krishna concludes the chapter by emphasizing that the Vedic scriptures are the ultimate authority in determining right and wrong. By contrasting divine and demoniac natures, he shows that ignoring scriptural guidance leads to downfall. While people may wish to follow their own hearts, he cautions that the heart can be misleading. Therefore, one should always align their actions with scriptural teachings to ensure the right path toward spiritual growth and liberation.
Summary: JKYog India Online Class- Bhagavad Gita [English]- 7.2.2026
