Bhagavad Gita 16.7

Daivasura Sampad Vibhaga Yoga · English Translation

The demoniacal know not what to do and what to refrain from; neither purity, nor right conduct nor truth is found in them.

Sanskrit

प्रवृत्तिं च निवृत्तिं च जना न विदुरासुराः | न शौचं नापि चाचारो न सत्यं तेषु विद्यते ||१६-७||

Transliteration

pravṛttiṃ ca nivṛttiṃ ca janā na vidurāsurāḥ . na śaucaṃ nāpi cācāro na satyaṃ teṣu vidyate ||16-7||

What Does This Verse Mean?

In this verse, Lord Krishna describes the state of those with a demoniac nature who lack moral clarity. He explains that such individuals do not know what actions to perform or which ones to avoid, as they are devoid of purity, proper conduct, and truthfulness. This teaching is part of Krishna's instruction to Arjuna on how different internal natures dictate one's behavior and spiritual destiny.

The Teaching Behind It

This verse belongs to the framework of Sankhya Yoga within the Gita's teaching on the dual nature (sattva, rajas, tamas) that influences human behavior. It develops the concept that one's spiritual progress is dictated by their inherent disposition; without truth and conduct as a foundation, action becomes blind rather than disciplined.

Word by Word

प्रवृत्तिम् action, च and, निवृत्तिम् inaction, च and, जनाः men, न not, विदुः know, आसुराः the demoniac, न not, शौचम् purity, न not, अपि also, च and, आचारः (right) conduct, न not, सत्यम् truth, तेषु in them, विद्यते is

Classical Commentary

The demoniacal do not understand the nature of action and inaction (right abstinence). The idea of a Self apart from the body, doing nothing (actionless) but imply watching the play of the Gunas is something incomprehensible to them. They have no consideration for the interest of others. They work for the sake of their bodies or sensual enjoyment. They are greedy, selfish and cruel. Therefore, they have neither good conduct nor good behaviour. They are untruthful, unjust and impure. They do not know what actions they should do in order to attain the goal of life or end of human existence, nor from what actions they should refrain to ward off,evil. Those who are endowed with demoniacal alities are sunk in the mire of ignorance. They are totally ignorant of what is prescribed or what is prohibited action. They have not the least idea of what purity or cleanliness is. Their actions are crooked. They know neither right Pravritti nor right Nivritti. They have no idea of virtue or vice or of scriptural injunctions or prohibitions. They will never speak loving words. They are hypocrites and liars.

Where This Happens

This verse occurs on the battlefield of Kurukshetra during the Mahabharata epic, where Lord Krishna is counseling his friend Arjuna. Just before this, Krishna has begun describing the two fundamental types of human nature: divine (daivi) and demoniac (asuri). Arjuna, who was overwhelmed by doubt at the start of the chapter, is listening intently as Krishna details how those driven by ego and ignorance lose their ability to discern right from wrong.

Living It Out Today

Consider a workplace where an employee cuts corners on safety protocols to meet a deadline. They might not know they are violating professional standards (nobody knows what to do or refrain from) because they prioritize the shortcut over honesty, leading them to act without purity of intent or adherence to their code of conduct. This internal confusion can eventually lead to accidents and loss of trust, showing how lacking ethical grounding creates chaos.

Explained for Children

Imagine if you had a friend who never knew the difference between right and wrong, like someone playing with fire but not understanding it could burn them. That person wouldn't know which games are safe or what rules to follow at school because they don't value being honest or kind. Krishna says that when we stop caring about doing good things (purity) or telling the truth, our hearts get cloudy and we lose our way.

Daily Reflection

Today you might find yourself questioning why certain people seem lost in chaos, unable to distinguish between what is helpful and harmful. Remember that this state of 'demoniacal' confusion arises only when we abandon our inner compasses: truthfulness (satya), purity (shaucha), and right conduct (acara). You have the power today to anchor yourself firmly in these qualities, transforming your actions from reactive impulses into deliberate expressions of virtue.

A Practice for Today

Sit quietly and observe your own impulses to act or restrain; ask yourself if they stem from a clear moral compass or mere confusion. Cultivate the intention today that purity, right conduct, and truth are not optional traits but the very foundation of your being.

Key Teachings

The Loss of Moral Compass
When one rejects divine principles, they lose the ability to distinguish between constructive action (pravritti) and necessary restraint (nivriti). This results in a state of perpetual confusion where right and wrong become indistinguishable.
The Triad of Virtue
True character is built upon the unshakeable foundation of purity, righteous conduct, and truth. Without these three pillars, no action can be considered truly beneficial or lasting.
Self-Awareness as a Mirror
This verse serves as an invitation to self-examine whether our lives are governed by clarity or by the fog of ignorance. It challenges us to actively cultivate these virtues rather than assuming they come naturally.

Themes

moral discernmentdemoniac naturetruth and conductspiritual evolutionright actioninner clarity

Related Verses

2.47 3.30 4.18 6.5 18.66

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 'demoniac' nature mentioned in this verse?

The 'demoniac' nature (asura sampad) refers to a state of mind dominated by arrogance, anger, greed, and ignorance. People with this nature are so consumed by their ego that they lose the ability to distinguish between beneficial actions and harmful ones.

Why does Krishna say these people do not know what to refrain from?

Krishna states that because such individuals lack purity of heart and adherence to truth, their judgment is clouded by desire. Without a moral compass rooted in dharma (righteousness), they cannot intuitively understand which actions should be avoided for the greater good.

How can one develop 'purity' and 'truthfulness' according to this teaching?

One develops these qualities by practicing self-discipline, following ethical guidelines (dharma), and engaging in sincere spiritual practices like meditation or service. By consistently choosing truth over convenience and purity over selfishness, the mind gradually clears of demonic influences.

Is this verse saying that people with bad habits are beyond saving?

No, while Krishna describes their current state as lacking clarity, the Gita teaches that nature can be transformed through conscious effort and devotion. By adopting divine qualities like humility and truthfulness, anyone can shift from a demoniac to a divine disposition.

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