The Yoga of Divine and Demoniac Natures
Daivasura Sampad Vibhaga Yoga
Krishna describes the qualities of those with divine nature versus those with demonic tendencies.
Krishna distinguishes between divine qualities (fearlessness, charity, austerity) that lead to liberation and demoniac qualities (pride, anger, harshness) that lead to bondage. He warns against lust, anger, and greed as the three gates to hell.
Key Takeaways
- Divine nature leads to freedom; demoniac nature leads to bondage
- Lust, Anger, and Greed are the three gates to self-destruction
- Follow scripture (Shastra) to determine duty, not whims
Chapter 16 - The Yoga of Divine and Demoniac Natures
Common questions and insights about this chapter
Divine qualities include fearlessness, purity of heart, knowledge, charity, self-control, sacrifice, study of scriptures, austerity, straightforwardness, non-violence, truthfulness, absence of anger, renunciation, tranquility, compassion for all beings, gentleness, modesty, and determination.
Demoniac qualities include pride, arrogance, anger, harshness, ignorance, hypocrisy, lust, greed, delusion, and disregard for scriptural authority. People with these qualities act according to their whims, causing harm to themselves and others.
Those who persistently follow demoniac tendencies—enslaved by countless desires, ego, and false pride—repeatedly take birth in demoniac wombs, falling into increasingly degraded states, never reaching God, and eventually descending to the lowest realms.
The three gates leading to self-destruction are lust, anger, and greed. These are the enemies of the soul that must be conquered. By abandoning these three and following the path of dharma, one gradually elevates to the supreme destination.
Chapter 16 Quiz
Progress through levels to deepen your wisdom