Verse 7
प्रवृत्तिं च निवृत्तिं च जना न विदुरासुराः | न शौचं नापि चाचारो न सत्यं तेषु विद्यते || ७ ||
Transliteration
pravṛttiṁ ca nivṛttiṁ ca janā na vidur āsurāḥ na śaucaṁ nāpi cācāro na satyaṁ teṣu vidyate
Synonyms
pravṛttim—proper action; ca—also; nivṛttim—renunciation; ca—and; janāḥ—persons; na—not; viduḥ—know; āsurāḥ—of demoniac quality; na—never; śaucam—cleanliness; na—nor; api—also; ca—and; ācāraḥ—behavior; na—never; satyam—truth; teṣu—in them; vidyate—is found.
Translation
“Those of demoniac nature do not know what to do and what to refrain from. Neither purity, nor proper conduct, nor truth is found in them.”
Multi-Tradition Commentary
The root of the demoniac character is ethical confusion—an inability or unwillingness to distinguish between what should be done and what should be avoided. When a person has no clarity about dharma, cleanliness and good conduct become mere social performance, and truthfulness becomes a tool deployed only when convenient. This confusion is itself the primary symptom of the demoniac orientation.
Practical Application (Modern Life)
Ethical clarity—knowing clearly what is right action and what is not—is a spiritual practice, not just a moral one. Regular reflection on your choices (journaling, ethical review at day's end) cultivates this clarity over time. When you are unsure, the question 'What would a wise, compassionate person do here?' is more reliable than 'What do I feel like doing?'
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Bhagavad Gita 16.7 mean?
Those of demoniac nature do not know what to do and what to refrain from. Neither purity, nor proper conduct, nor truth is found in them.
What is the word-by-word meaning of Bhagavad Gita 16.7?
pravṛttim—proper action; ca—also; nivṛttim—renunciation; ca—and; janāḥ—persons; na—not; viduḥ—know; āsurāḥ—of demoniac quality; na—never; śaucam—cleanliness; na—nor; api—also; ca—and; ācāraḥ—behavior; na—never; satyam—truth; teṣu—in them; vidyate—is found.
How can I apply Bhagavad Gita 16.7 in daily life?
Ethical clarity—knowing clearly what is right action and what is not—is a spiritual practice, not just a moral one. Regular reflection on your choices (journaling, ethical review at day's end) cultivates this clarity over time. When you are unsure, the question 'What would a wise, compassionate person do here?' is more reliable than 'What do I feel like doing?'