Published: January 12, 2025 • 15 min read
Chapter 16 of the Bhagavad Gita presents a stark contrast: two types of nature that beings can embody—the divine (daivi) and the demonic (asuri). This isn't about supernatural beings but about qualities within the human psyche. Every person carries seeds of both; which ones we water determines our character and destiny.
द्वौ भूतसर्गौ लोकेऽस्मिन्दैव आसुर एव च।
दैवो विस्तरशः प्रोक्त आसुरं पार्थ मे शृणु॥
"There are two types of beings in this world—the divine and the demonic. The divine has been explained at length; now hear from Me about the demonic, O Partha."
Krishna assures Arjuna he possesses the divine nature (16.5), but the teaching applies universally. Understanding these qualities helps us recognize patterns in ourselves and consciously choose which tendencies to strengthen.
This chapter functions as a moral mirror, inviting honest self-examination. The goal isn't judgment but transformation—recognizing where the demonic tendencies exist in us and cultivating the divine to overcome them.
The opening verses of Chapter 16 enumerate twenty-six divine qualities that lead to liberation:
अभयं सत्त्वसंशुद्धिर्ज्ञानयोगव्यवस्थितिः।
दानं दमश्च यज्ञश्च स्वाध्यायस्तप आर्जवम्॥
"Fearlessness, purity of heart, steadfastness in knowledge and yoga, charity, self-control, sacrifice, study of scriptures, austerity, and simplicity..."
"Divine qualities lead to liberation; demonic qualities lead to bondage. Do not grieve, O Arjuna, for you were born with divine qualities." (16.5)
Krishna then describes the characteristics of the demonic nature—not external demons but dark tendencies within human beings:
दम्भो दर्पोऽभिमानश्च क्रोधः पारुष्यमेव च।
अज्ञानं चाभिजातस्य पार्थ सम्पदमासुरीम्॥
"Hypocrisy, arrogance, conceit, anger, harshness, and ignorance—these are the marks of one born with demonic qualities, O Partha."
Verses 7-15 describe the psychology of those dominated by demonic qualities:
Krishna identifies three qualities as particularly destructive:
त्रिविधं नरकस्येदं द्वारं नाशनमात्मनः।
कामः क्रोधस्तथा लोभस्तस्मादेतत्त्रयं त्यजेत्॥
"There are three gates to this hell leading to the destruction of the self—lust, anger, and greed. Therefore, one should abandon these three."
These three—kama (lust/desire), krodha (anger), and lobha (greed)—are root causes from which other demonic qualities grow.
| Divine Nature | Demonic Nature |
|---|---|
| Acknowledges higher power/order | Denies any order beyond self |
| Acts from duty and dharma | Acts from desire and self-interest |
| Generous, charitable | Acquisitive, hoarding |
| Truthful, transparent | Hypocritical, deceptive |
| Humble, modest | Arrogant, conceited |
| Peaceful, forgiving | Angry, vengeful |
| Compassionate to all | Cruel, indifferent to others |
| Content, satisfied | Never satisfied, always wanting more |
| Leads to liberation (moksha) | Leads to bondage and suffering |
The value of this teaching lies in honest self-examination. Consider:
Most people aren't purely divine or purely demonic—they're a mixture. The honest assessment reveals:
The goal isn't self-condemnation but clear seeing that enables growth. Even recognizing a demonic tendency is itself a divine act—it requires the self-awareness that the demonic nature lacks.
Spend time with those who embody divine qualities. Their influence naturally elevates. Conversely, reduce exposure to those who reinforce demonic tendencies.
Divine qualities aren't just understood intellectually—they're practiced. Choose one quality to consciously cultivate for a period. Practice generosity, practice truthfulness, practice non-anger.
Regular engagement with scriptures and wisdom literature reinforces divine values and provides models for emulation.
Meditation develops the self-awareness to catch demonic tendencies as they arise and the inner space to choose differently.
Change happens gradually. Don't expect overnight transformation. Consistent effort over time reshapes character. The Gita's teaching on abhyasa (practice) applies here.
Rather than fighting demonic tendencies with violence, which often strengthens them, try:
The divine/demonic distinction applies not just to individuals but to institutions:
Are some people born demonic?
The verse mentions being "born with" certain qualities, but this reflects tendencies, not fate. Past karma influences initial disposition, but present choices determine development. Everyone has the potential to cultivate divine nature regardless of starting point.
Is anger always demonic?
Righteous anger in service of dharma can be appropriate—even Arjuna fought with intensity. The demonic quality is uncontrolled anger driven by ego, not strategic, proportional response to injustice. The difference: one is chosen and directed; the other possesses and controls.
What if I see more demonic qualities in myself?
First, congratulations—the ability to recognize this is itself divine (self-awareness). Second, don't despair. These are tendencies to work with, not fixed identities. Third, start small. Pick one quality to cultivate. Fourth, seek support—teachers, community, practices that support transformation.
How do I deal with people who have demonic qualities?
With compassion and boundaries. Recognize they suffer from their own tendencies. Protect yourself from harm without hating. Don't feed their patterns by engaging at their level. Model divine qualities. Sometimes detachment is the most compassionate response.
Does this teaching justify judging others?
No. The teaching is primarily a mirror for self-examination, not a weapon for judging others. We can see only external behavior; we cannot know others' inner journey. Focus on your own transformation. Leave others' assessment to the Divine.
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