प्रवृत्तिं च निवृत्तिं च जना न विदुरासुरा: ।
न शौचं नापि चाचारो न सत्यं तेषु विद्यते ॥ ७ ॥
pravṛittiṁ cha nivṛittiṁ cha janā na vidur āsurāḥ
na śhauchaṁ nāpi chāchāro na satyaṁ teṣhu vidyate
श्लोक ७: आसुरी प्रवृत्ति वालों को नहीं पता होता कि क्या करना चाहिए और क्या नहीं। उनमें पवित्रता, अच्छे आचरण और सत्य का अभाव होता है।
Shloka 7: Those of demoniac nature do not know what to do and what to refrain from. They lack purity, good conduct and truthfulness.
In Bhagavad Gita 16.7, Lord Krishna continues His systematic analysis of divine and demoniac natures by elaborating on the characteristics of those with demoniac tendencies. The Sanskrit verse "pravṛttiṁ cha nivṛittiṁ cha janā na vidur āsurāḥ, na śhauchaṁ nāpi chāchāro na satyaṁ teṣhu vidyate" reveals a profound insight into human behavior and spiritual understanding.
Krishna explains that those with demoniac qualities fundamentally lack discernment between proper and improper action. This is not a matter of intellectual capacity, but rather a spiritual blindness. They cannot distinguish what should be done (pravṛtti) from what should be avoided (nivṛtti). This confusion about righteous action stems from their rejection of or disregard for scriptural wisdom that would otherwise guide their moral compass.
The verse identifies three critical qualities absent in those of demoniac nature: cleanliness (śaucham), proper conduct (āchāro), and truthfulness (satyam). Cleanliness here refers to both external physical purity and internal purity of mind and heart. Proper conduct encompasses appropriate behavior in accordance with one's duties and social responsibilities. Truthfulness represents alignment with ultimate reality and honesty in speech and action.
This lack of discrimination between right and wrong action isn't merely about breaking rules—it reflects a deeper disconnection from dharma itself. Dharma consists of codes of conduct that purify the individual and contribute to collective welfare, while adharma leads to degradation and societal harm. The demoniac nature lacks faith in scriptural wisdom, leaving those under its influence confused about ethical boundaries.
It's important to understand that Krishna isn't describing people with horns or frightening appearances. Rather, He's identifying a mindset that disregards moral guidance not from inability to understand, but from willful rejection. Such individuals navigate life based on momentary impulses, convenient choices, and selfish desires rather than higher principles. Their actions are guided by what feels good or advantageous in the moment, without consideration for spiritual or ethical implications.
The commentary by various scholars emphasizes that outward behavior is simply an expression of one's inner state. When the mind lacks discipline, a well-regulated life becomes impossible. This verse reminds us that external actions reflect internal values, and those who reject guidance from scripture or conscience inevitably drift toward confusion about what constitutes right action.
Krishna's description isn't meant to permanently label or condemn anyone, but rather to help us recognize tendencies within ourselves that may need correction. The verse serves as a mirror through which we can examine our own decision-making processes. Do we seek guidance from higher wisdom when making choices? Do we value purity, proper conduct, and truthfulness? Or do we let convenience and self-interest dictate our actions? By understanding the demoniac nature, we become better equipped to cultivate its opposite—the divine qualities that lead to liberation and harmony.
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