Self-conceited, stubborn, filled with pride and arrogance of wealth, they perform sacrifices in name only, with hypocrisy, not following the prescribed rules.
The demoniac may outwardly perform religious rituals, but Krishna exposes their insincerity. Their actions are driven by pride rather than devotion. This verse serves as a warning that spirituality without humility is meaningless. True faith requires surrender, not superficial displays of piety meant to impress others.
Clinging to egotism, power, arrogance, lust, and anger, these envious people hate Me in their own bodies and in the bodies of others.
Krishna points out how ego-driven individuals not only deceive themselves but also harbor resentment towards the divine. Their anger and envy stem from their inability to control life’s outcomes. This inner turmoil creates further separation from truth, illustrating how unchecked arrogance leads to self-destruction.
These cruel haters, the worst among men, I continuously cast into demonic births in the cycle of rebirth.
The consequence of sustained demonic tendencies is continued suffering. Krishna explains that those who repeatedly act with cruelty and ignorance are bound to cycles of lower births. This verse reinforces the idea that one’s character determines future experiences, and persistent negativity results in spiritual regression.
Falling into demonic births, these deluded beings, birth after birth, fail to attain Me and sink further into the lowest depths.
Krishna explains that repeated demoniac births push one further from liberation. Each lifetime spent indulging in ignorance makes it harder to break free. This serves as both a warning and a reminder that only conscious effort can reverse negative tendencies. Dharma must be cultivated through deliberate choices, not just beliefs.
There are three gates leading to hell—lust, anger, and greed. One should abandon these, for they ruin the soul.
Krishna identifies the three primary forces leading to ruin: desire, anger, and greed. These impulses fuel every demonic trait previously described. While seemingly normal human emotions, when left unchecked, they become the root of all suffering. Krishna urges seekers to rise above these, as mastering them is key to spiritual progress.
A person freed from these three gates of darkness practices what is good for the soul and thus attains the supreme destination.
Liberation is possible for those who recognize and abandon destructive tendencies. Krishna assures that those who renounce harmful impulses will naturally progress toward higher awareness. By choosing restraint over indulgence, they align themselves with divine qualities, proving that one’s destiny is shaped by conscious effort.
One who disregards the scriptures and acts according to his own desires neither attains success, nor happiness, nor the supreme goal.
Krishna warns against disregarding scripture and acting purely on selfish whims. Such people neither attain success nor peace. This verse highlights the necessity of guidance—spiritual progress is not random but requires adherence to wisdom passed down through ages. Ignoring this wisdom leads to confusion and stagnation.