Verse 16-20

आसुरीं योनिमापन्ना मूढा जन्मनि जन्मनि |

मामप्राप्यैव कौन्तेय ततो यान्त्यधमां गतिम् || 20 ||

“Obtaining a demonic birth in every cycle of birth, O Arjuna, such deluded beings, devoid of wisdom, continue to tread the lowest paths, never attaining Me.”
 
Commentary

Lord Krishna explains that those individuals who are influenced by demoniac qualities and behaviors are trapped in a continuous cycle of rebirth, with each birth leading them to a demonic existence. The term “aasuri” refers to the demonic nature characterized by negative qualities such as ignorance, delusion, egoism, selfishness, and a disregard for moral and spiritual values.

 

The phrase “moodha janmani janmani” indicates that these individuals, due to their deluded state of mind, repeatedly take birth in such demoniac forms throughout many lifetimes. It signifies their inability to break free from the cycle of birth and death and escape the influence of their negative tendencies.

 

Lord Krishna further emphasizes that such individuals, due to their ignorance and lack of spiritual understanding, remain distant from attaining a higher state of consciousness and realizing their divine nature. They continue to engage in actions and behaviors that perpetuate their delusion and keep them separated from the divine.

 

The verse also highlights the significance of attaining the Divine, represented by Lord Krishna Himself. It implies that only by seeking and attaining a connection with the Divine can one break free from the cycle of demonic existence. Without recognizing and surrendering to the higher spiritual truths, those trapped in the demoniac cycle continue to experience the consequences of their actions, leading them to lower and more undesirable paths in their journey.

 

The verse serves as a reminder of the importance of self-awareness, self-transformation, and the pursuit of spiritual growth. It encourages individuals to overcome their lower tendencies, develop wisdom, and strive for a higher state of consciousness. By doing so, they can liberate themselves from the cycle of birth and death and ultimately attain union with the Divine.