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Bhagwad Gita (English) | Chapter 16 | Verse 8

Chapter 16, Verse 8

The Divine and Demoniac Natures

They say that this world is unreal, that there is no foundation and that there is no God in control. It is produced of sex desire, and has no cause other than lust.


Verse

असत्यमप्रतिष्ठं ते जगदाहुरनीश्वरम्।अपरस्परसम्भूतं किमन्यत्कामहैतुकम्।।16.8।।


asatyam apratiṣhṭhaṁ te jagad āhur anīśhvaram
aparaspara-sambhūtaṁ kim anyat kāma-haitukam

Meaning of each word

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

Interpretation

In this verse, we see a perspective held by certain people described as demonic in nature. They believe that the world around us is not real and has no true meaning or solid basis. To them, everything is just a big illusion. They think there is no higher power or God that has created or looks after the world; instead, they believe that everything we see is simply a product of random interactions and desires.

These individuals argue that the only real force behind everything is human desire, particularly sexual desire. They think that the existence of the world and even life itself are just the result of people acting on their sexual urges. For them, the idea of God or a purposeful creation is completely dismissed. They view life like a fleeting dream that has no lasting significance.

Imagine someone who thinks that nothing matters beyond our physical, material existence—someone who believes we are all just a mix of chemicals and matter without any true spirit or essence. They reject the idea that there is a deeper meaning or that life has been designed with intention.

According to their thinking, everything we experience is merely a misinterpretation of reality, similar to how you might wake up from a dream and realize it was just that—a dream. They think that, in the end, life is a blend of matter resulting from biological actions—like a child being born from human connection—without recognizing any guiding soul or meaningful purpose behind it.

These perspectives lead them to disregard religious teachings about creation and the universe. They don’t feel the need to understand or follow spiritual scriptures because they believe everyone’s interpretation is just as valid as another, leading to a confused and chaotic understanding of life and existence.

Ultimately, the demonic thinkers in this context are caught up in their own illusions and misconceptions. Instead of seeking a higher purpose or truth, they stay lost in their way of thinking and enjoying the pleasures of life. They imagine the world as a simple production of material desires without any deeper connection to God or the spirit. By doing this, they miss out on a greater understanding of themselves and the universe.


Other Verses of Chapter 16
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