Bhagavad Gita Chapter 16, Verse 6

English Translation

In this world there are are two (kinds of) creation of beings: the divine and the demoniacal. The divine has been spoken of elaborately. Hear about the demoniacal from Me, O son of Prtha.

Detailed Commentary

Two types of living communities exist in this world, Deva and Asura. The Lord says that in this world, there are two types of beings: Daivi and Asuri. This means that every being has a part of both Atma (consciousness) and Prakriti (inert matter). When the conscious part is attracted towards gross inert Prakriti, Asuri tendencies arise in it. But when it turns towards Paramatma, Daivi qualities awaken within it. Means to reach Paramatma, such as virtues (sadgun) and righteous conduct (sadachar), are all part of the Daivi Sampatti (divine endowment). The Lord has called these means imperishable (avinashi), as in "Imam Vivasvate Yogam Proktavanahamavyayam" (I taught this imperishable Yoga to Vivasvan). "Dvau Bhutasargau" means all living beings, whether they be humans, Devas, Asuras, birds, insects, trees, or plants. The intellect to renounce Asuri nature is especially present in humans, therefore humans should change it. Humans possess both Daivi and Asuri tendencies. Even in the cruelest person, compassion (daya) is found, and in a thief, honesty persists. Thus, Daivi qualities cannot be absent in anyone, because every being is a part (ansh) of Paramatma, and Daivi qualities are its natural part. Those who progress towards Paramatma begin to find Asuri tendencies unpleasant, and they strive to overcome them. Those who indulge in worldly pleasures even with devotion are not called Sadhakas, because some Daivi and some Asuri tendencies are present even in the lowest beings. A special point is that tendencies are in accordance with Ahamkara (ego/self-identification). A truth-speaker becomes firm in truth and will never lie. But one who is immersed in worldly enjoyments can easily lie. If negative dispositions (durbhav) enter the Ahamkara, it becomes difficult to abandon vices (durgun). The seed of Daivi qualities in beings never perishes because it is truth. On the other hand, negative dispositions (durbhav) arise from bad company (kusangati) and are not permanent. Human tendency depends on the predominance of good dispositions (sadbhav) or negative dispositions (durbhav). Those who are immersed in worldly pleasures develop negative dispositions, and in those who aim for Paramatma, good dispositions become strong. It is only in humans that there is specific awareness and capability. The development of Daivi qualities is greater in humans, and by the grace of the Lord, we are born in human form. The Lord resides equally in all beings. Now the Lord says: Know what the nature of humans with Asuri tendencies is like. In the next verse, the Lord will describe it.