Bhagavad Gita Chapter 16 Verse 6 Meaning

There are two types of beings in this world: the divine and the demoniacal. The divine has been described at length; hear from Me, O Arjuna, about the demoniacal.

BG 16.6

द्वौ भूतसर्गौ लोकेऽस्मिन् दैव आसुर एव च।दैवो विस्तरशः प्रोक्त आसुरं पार्थ मे श्रृणु

dvau bhūta-sargau loke ’smin daiva āsura eva cha daivo vistaraśhaḥ prokta āsuraṁ pārtha me śhṛiṇu

Meaning

There are two types of beings in this world: the divine and the demoniacal. The divine has been described at length; hear from Me, O Arjuna, about the demoniacal.

Available in 27 languages

What Does Bhagavad Gita 16.6 Mean?

There are two types of beings in this world: the divine and the demoniacal. The teaching here extends the chapter's central concern with virtue. Classical commentators have noted how this verse bridges philosophical understanding with practical guidance. Ramanuja's commentary highlights how this verse reinforces the accessibility of the Gita's path. The teaching on virtue is presented not as an elite attainment but as a practical orientation available to anyone willing to examine their motivations and actions honestly.

In daily practice, this means bringing conscious awareness to moments where virtue is tested — not as an impossible ideal but as a direction of growth. Each small alignment with this teaching strengthens the capacity for the next.

— Explained by the Nitya Team

What Is the Context of Bhagavad Gita 16.6?

The qualities that lead to liberation versus those that lead to bondage.

Key themes in this chapter include Divine qualities, Demoniac qualities, Character.

How Can I Apply Bhagavad Gita 16.6 in Daily Life?

  • When you need steadiness while dealing with divine qualities
  • When practicing demoniac qualities amid uncertainty
  • When applying character to real-life choices

Verse FAQs

What is the main idea of Bhagavad Gita 16.6?
There are two types of beings in this world: the divine and the demoniacal. The teaching here extends the chapter's central concern with virtue. Classical commentators have noted how this verse bridges philosophical understanding with practical guidance. Ramanuja's commentary highlights how this...
How can I apply Bhagavad Gita 16.6 in daily life?
Apply this teaching when making choices or doing your duties. Focus on demoniac qualities and keep your mind steady regardless of outcomes.

Related Verses

Read in Other Languages

← Back to Chapter 16: The Yoga of Divine and Demoniac Natures

Build a daily reading habit with Nitya

Get the Free App