Bhagavad Gita Chapter 16, Verse 19

English Translation

I cast for ever those hateful, cruel, evil-doers in the worlds, the vilest of human beings, verily into the demoniacla classes.

Detailed Commentary

।।16.19।। Commentary – *Tān ahaṁ dviṣataḥ krūrān saṁsāreṣu narādhamān* – The *Asuri Sampadā* (demonic qualities), described in the fifteenth verse of the seventh chapter and the twelfth verse of the ninth chapter, has been elaborately detailed from the seventh to the eighteenth verse of this chapter. Now, summarizing the subject of *Asuri Sampadā* in these two verses (nineteenth and twentieth), the Lord says that such *Asuri* individuals harbor animosity towards everyone without reason and are bent solely on causing harm to all. Their actions are exceedingly cruel, leading to violence against others and similar deeds. Such cruel, merciless, and violent humans are the lowest among mankind – *narādhamān*. Calling them the lowest among humans means that while those residing in *naraka* (hell) and various animal and bird species (the eighty-four lakh *yonis*) are purifying themselves by experiencing the fruits of their past *karma*, these *Asuri* individuals, by committing injustice and sin, are descending even lower than animals and birds. Therefore, the company of such people is deemed evil – "It is better, my dear, to reside in *naraka*; may the Creator not grant the company of the wicked." The Lord sends these *Asuri* individuals into *Asuri yonis* (demonic species) in accordance with their nature. He says, "I cast them into the species of dogs, snakes, scorpions, tigers, lions, and others, according to their *karma*." This happens not just once, but repeatedly, so that by experiencing the fruits of their *karma*, they may become purified and unblemished. The Lord sending them into *Asuri yonis* signifies that He harbors affection for them. He does not consider them strangers and desires that they purify themselves and achieve their ultimate welfare (*kalyāṇa*). Just as a teacher strives to improve students by keeping them disciplined, so too does the Lord endeavor to reform these beings, so that their sins may be removed, and they may become pure and attain true happiness.