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Based on the teachings of His Divine Grace A.C.

Bhaktivedanta Swami Prabhupāda

Bhagavad-gītā
As It Is
Chapter 16
The Divine and Demoniac Natures
 The Divine and Demoniac Natures

Bhagavad-gītā Module 3: Overview of Chapters 13-18

Chapter 16: The Divine and Demoniac Natures

Executive Summary:

Chapter Fifteen described the banyan tree of the material world. The modes of material nature nourish both
the upper, auspicious, divine branches of the tree and the lower, demoniac branches. In the Sixteenth Chapter,
Krsna explains the divine qualities that elevate one within the tree and lead to ultimate liberation.

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 The Divine and Demoniac Natures

TRANSCENDENTAL AND DEMONIAC QUALITIES (1–6)

Krsna explains in detail the demoniac qualities and the mentality which drives one down to the lower regions
of the tree and ultimately to hell. He also explains the advantages and disadvantages of these qualities.

THE DEMONIAC NATURE (7–18)

After briefly describing the demoniac qualities, Krsna further describes the activities, mentality and qualities of
one who has demoniac tendencies.

RESULTS OF DEMONIAC ACTIVITIES AND THE CHOICE OF ELEVATION OR DEGRADATION (19–24)

The result of performing demoniac activities is to be cast by Krsna into lower species and other types of hellish
life. Because lust, anger and greed are the beginning of demoniac life, all sane men should give them up and
understand their duty by faithfully following the scriptures. The ultimate difference between divine and
demoniac is that the divine follow scripture whereas demons do not.

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The Divine and Demoniac Natures
Bhagavad-gita (Module 3) Self-study Questions Chapter 16: The Divine and Demoniac Natures

21. Give two qualities each, relevant for sannyasis and grhasthas, as discussed in the purport 16.1-3.
Sannyasis: Fearlessness; purification of one’s existence; cultivation of spiritual knowledge; humility
Grhasthas: Charity; self-control; performance of sacrifice; study of the Vedas; austerity; simplicity; nonviolence;
truthfulness; freedom from anger; renunciation

22. What two qualities are particularly meant for bramacaris? (1-3)
Vedic study and Celibacy

23. What quality is particularly meant for varnaprasthas? (1-3)

Tapasya

24. Who was the best example, according to the purport of text 16.16, of a demoniac man? (16)
The best example of such a demoniac man was Rāvaṇa

25. List the three gates leading to hell. (21)

Lust, anger and greed

26. What is the result for those who develop a demoniac nature? (23)
He attains neither perfection, nor happiness, nor the supreme destination.

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