Lord Krishna tells Arjuna that there are two types of beings in this world: the divine and the demoniac. Chapter 16 of the Bhagavad Gita discusses the attributes of both at length. Valayapettai Sri. Ramachariar narrated the different features of the two groups in a discourse. Some of the characteristics of the divine beings are purity of mind, devotion to meditation, worship, alms-giving, self- control, and conscientiousness. They study the Vedas and abstain from causing injury to others. They adhere to simplicity, speak the truth, develop no anger, won’t slur others, practise renunciation and equanimity, show mercy to all, refrain from vacillation, and remain free from the development of desires. Also, purity of thought, patience and endurance are present in them. They will have no fear because they will not be associated with the objects of aversion.
Some of the qualities of a demoniac being are ostentation, arrogance, immodesty, and rudeness. They know no renunciation, proper conduct or truth. They indulge in cruel deeds to destroy the world. Their highest aim lies in the enjoyment of worldly pleasures. They are full of pride, and will unfairly amass wealth. They are deluded by ignorance and are intoxicated by wealth, pride, and vanity.
Lord Krishna says desire, anger, and greed are the triple gateways to hell and ruinous to the self. A person should abandon these. The main reason for this dissipation is a lack of belief in sastras — the authority for deciding what should be done and what should not be (Tasmat sastram pramanam tey Chapter 16-sloka 24.)
The divine ones are on the path to liberation, while the demoniacs are subjected to repeated births and deaths.
Published – March 29, 2025 05:17 am IST
