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.
Therefore, let the scriptures be your authority in determining what should and should not be done. Knowing what is prescribed in them, you should act accordingly.
Closing this chapter, Krishna emphasizes the authority of scripture in guiding human action. Dharma is not subjective—it is rooted in eternal principles. By following divine teachings, individuals ensure their actions align with higher truth. This verse serves as a reminder that spiritual growth requires discipline, not just belief.