Chapter 16 Verse 8
Daivāsura Sampad Vibhāg Yog
असत्यमप्रतिष्ठं ते जगदाहुरनीश्वरम्।अपरस्परसम्भूतं किमन्यत्कामहैतुकम्।।16.8।।
asatyam apratiṣhṭhaṁ te jagad āhur anīśhvaram aparaspara-sambhūtaṁ kim anyat kāma-haitukam
Word Meanings
| asatyam | without absolute truth |
| apratiṣhṭham | without any basis |
| te | they |
| jagat | the world |
| āhuḥ | say |
| anīśhvaram | without a God |
| aparaspara | without cause |
| sambhūtam | created |
| kim | what |
| anyat | other |
| kāma-haitukam | for sexual gratification only |
Translation
They say, "This universe is without truth, without a moral basis, without a God, brought about by mutual union, with lust as its cause; what else?"
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse describes a view that says the world has no lasting truth, no moral foundation, and no God. It claims everything came about by chance or by physical union, driven only by desire.
Philosophically, the verse warns against seeing life as only material and sensual. If we reduce existence to mere desire and random events, we lose meaning, responsibility, and the sense of a higher purpose.
The Gita contrasts this outlook with a spiritual view that recognizes deeper order, duty, and awareness. Rejecting a purely pleasure-driven explanation helps one live with care, wisdom, and inner discipline.
Life Application
- Notice when you explain things only in terms of desire or chance; ask whether deeper values or responsibilities are being ignored.
- Make small daily choices that reflect purpose, not just pleasure—kind actions, honest work, and moments of quiet reflection.
- Practice simple self-restraint (pause before reacting) to prevent short-term cravings from ruling your life.
Reflection Question
Do I treat life as only pleasure and coincidence, or do I feel called to something deeper and responsible?