Chapter 16 Verse 7
Daivāsura Sampad Vibhāg Yog
प्रवृत्तिं च निवृत्तिं च जना न विदुरासुराः।न शौचं नापि चाचारो न सत्यं तेषु विद्यते।।16.7।।
pravṛittiṁ cha nivṛittiṁ cha janā na vidur āsurāḥ na śhauchaṁ nāpi chāchāro na satyaṁ teṣhu vidyate
Word Meanings
| pravṛittim | proper actions |
| cha | and |
| nivṛittim | improper actions |
| cha | and |
| janāḥ | persons |
| na | not |
| viduḥ | comprehend |
| āsurāḥ | those possessing demoniac nature |
| na | neither |
| śhaucham | purity |
| na | nor |
| api | even |
| cha | and |
| āchāraḥ | conduct |
| na | nor |
| satyam | truthfulness |
| teṣhu | in them |
| vidyate | exist |
Translation
The demoniacal do not know what to do and what to refrain from; they have neither purity, nor right conduct, nor truth.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse says that people who are driven by selfishness and ego cannot tell what is right to do and what to avoid. Without inner purity, steady conduct, and truthfulness, they lose moral direction.
Spiritually, "purity" means a clean heart and clear intentions, "right conduct" means steady habits that support others and yourself, and "truth" means honesty in word and action. When these are missing, choices become confused and harmful.
The teaching points to inner discipline: developing clarity, honesty, and simple moral habits brings freedom from confusion and harm.
Life Application
- Pause before acting: take a breath and ask whether this choice is honest and kind.
- Keep small daily habits of purity and truth (clean living, truthful speech, responsible routines) to build steady conduct.
- Notice and correct lies, blame, or impulsive choices quickly—honesty and restraint are skills you can practice.
Reflection Question
Where in my life do I choose impulse over truth or restraint?