Verse 16-9

एतां दृष्टिमवष्टभ्य नष्टात्मानोऽल्पबुद्धय: |

प्रभवन्त्युग्रकर्माण: क्षयाय जगतोऽहिता: || 9 ||

“Clinging to this view, those with a deluded understanding, lacking in wisdom, engage in destructive actions. They contribute to the decline and harm of the world.” 
 
Commentary

This verse highlights the consequences of holding onto the perspective described in the previous verse. It states that those individuals who embrace the belief that the world is devoid of truth and lacking a supreme controller have a distorted perception (nashṭātmānaḥ) and possess limited intellect (alpabuddhayaḥ).

 

Due to their deluded understanding, they engage in actions that are characterized as ugra-karmāṇaḥ, meaning destructive or harmful actions. These actions may include behaviors driven by selfishness, greed, aggression, or a disregard for the well-being of others and the environment.

 

As a result of their misguided actions, they contribute to the deterioration and decline (kṣayāya) of the world. Their activities have adverse effects on the overall harmony, balance, and welfare of the world. The verse implies that their actions lack a sense of responsibility, compassion, and consideration for the greater good.