Gita 16.4
दम्भो दर्पोऽभिमानश्च क्रोध: पारुष्यमेव च |
अज्ञानं चाभिजातस्य पार्थ सम्पदमासुरीम् || 4||
dambho darpo ’bhimānaśh cha krodhaḥ pāruṣhyam eva cha
ajñānaṁ chābhijātasya pārtha sampadam āsurīm
Shree Krishna describes the key traits of individuals with a demoniac nature as those who live in contradiction between appearance and reality. They often display outward virtue to gain admiration, while lacking inner purity, creating a false and divided personality. Such individuals are marked by arrogance, pride, and a sense of superiority based on material attributes like wealth, education, or status. They become angry when, due to lack of control of the mind, their lust and greed are frustrated. Their behaviour tends to be harsh and insensitive, showing little compassion for others. Most importantly, they lack true spiritual understanding and often mistake unrighteousness for righteousness, leading them further away from the path of truth.
Gita 16.5
दैवी सम्पद्विमोक्षाय निबन्धायासुरी मता |
मा शुच: सम्पदं दैवीमभिजातोऽसि पाण्डव || 5||
daivī sampad vimokṣhāya nibandhāyāsurī matā
mā śhuchaḥ sampadaṁ daivīm abhijāto ’si pāṇḍava
Shree Krishna explains that human nature leads to two distinct paths with very different outcomes. Demoniac qualities bind the soul to the endless cycle of birth and death, while divine (saintly) virtues help one rise above illusion and move toward liberation. For a spiritual aspirant, progress depends not only on devotion but also on conscious self-improvement.
Even a single negative trait—such as arrogance or hypocrisy—can hinder spiritual growth and lead to setbacks. At the same time, cultivating positive qualities like patience, forgiveness, and inner strength is essential. These virtues enable one to face challenges on the spiritual path and remain steady in the pursuit of higher truth. Without them, the mind becomes entangled in negativity, making it difficult to focus on God.
Shree Krishna emphasises that spiritual development is a gradual process. While devotion ultimately nurtures divine qualities, most individuals must actively work on themselves to eliminate weaknesses and build virtues. Simple practices like self-reflection or maintaining a personal diary can help track progress and encourage growth, as seen in the lives of great individuals.
Thus, true spiritual advancement requires a balanced effort—developing saintly qualities while consciously letting go of demoniac tendencies—so that one can steadily progress toward a higher state of consciousness.
Gita 16.6
द्वौ भूतसर्गौ लोकेऽस्मिन्दैव आसुर एव च |
दैवो विस्तरश: प्रोक्त आसुरं पार्थ मे शृणु || 6||
dvau bhūta-sargau loke ’smin daiva āsura eva cha
daivo vistaraśhaḥ prokta āsuraṁ pārtha me śhṛiṇu
Shree Krishna teaches that every soul carries impressions from past lives, which shape its present tendencies. Those who practiced virtue and performed righteous actions in previous births are naturally inclined toward divine qualities, while those who engaged in negative actions carry demoniac tendencies into this life. This continuity of past influences explains the diversity of human nature, with divine and demoniac traits representing opposite ends of a spectrum.
Although higher realms are characterised by greater virtue and lower realms by negative qualities, human beings embody a mixture of both. Even those who appear harsh may show kindness at times, and even sincere seekers may struggle with imperfections. Over time, this duality has become more internalised—what once existed as separate forces now coexists within the same individual. In earlier ages, divine and demoniac beings were said to exist separately, then gradually closer, until in the present age, both tendencies reside within the human heart itself.
This inner struggle defines human life, as the higher self strives for spiritual growth while the lower self pulls toward worldly attachments. To help individuals navigate this conflict, Shree Krishna describes demoniac qualities in detail, enabling us to recognise, overcome them, and move toward personal and spiritual transformation.
Gita 16.7
प्रवृत्तिं च निवृत्तिं च जना न विदुरासुरा: |
न शौचं नापि चाचारो न सत्यं तेषु विद्यते || 7||
pravṛittiṁ cha nivṛittiṁ cha janā na vidur āsurāḥ
na śhauchaṁ nāpi chāchāro na satyaṁ teṣhu vidyate
Shree Krishna explains that dharma represents actions and principles that promote inner purification and the well-being of all, while adharma leads to moral decline and harm to society. Those with a demoniac nature lack faith in scriptural wisdom, which leaves them confused about what is right and wrong.
This confusion is reflected in certain modern philosophical ideas that reject the concept of absolute truth, promoting instead that truth is relative and subjective. While this view may seem appealing, it can lead to dangerous consequences in ethics. If there is no universal standard of right and wrong, individuals may justify harmful actions based on personal beliefs, disregarding the impact on others.
Through such examples, it becomes clear that denying absolute truth can create moral chaos and social harm. Shree Krishna highlights that those influenced by demoniac tendencies lose touch with purity, truth, and righteous conduct. He further elaborates on their mindset to help individuals recognise these tendencies and avoid falling into such confusion.
Summary: JKYog India Online Class- Bhagavad Gita [English]- 17.1.2026
