Gita 16.8
Daivasura Sampad Vibhaga Yoga
असत्यमप्रतिष्ठं ते जगदाहुरनीश्वरम् | अपरस्परसम्भूतं किमन्यत्कामहैतुकम् ||८||
asatyam apratiṣṭhaṁ te jagad āhur anīśvaram | aparaspara-sambhūtaṁ kim anyat kāma-haitukam ||8||
In essence: The demoniac philosophy declares the universe has no truth, no foundation, no God—it arose by chance, driven only by desire. This nihilism is their creed.
A conversation between a seeker and guide to help you feel this verse deeply
Sadhak-Guru Dialogue
Sadhak: "This sounds like modern atheism or scientific materialism. Is Krishna condemning these views as demoniac?"
Guru: "Consider carefully. There is a difference between genuine philosophical inquiry that leads to uncertain conclusions and the cynical denial of meaning that justifies self-serving behavior. Scientific investigation does not necessarily deny transcendent reality—many scientists have deep spiritual lives. What Krishna describes is the worldview adopted because it removes accountability."
Sadhak: "But isn't it intellectually honest to question the existence of God or ultimate truth?"
Guru: "Questioning is divine—it leads to deeper understanding. The demoniac do not question; they assert. They declare 'asatyam'—there is no truth—which is itself a truth claim. They assert 'anīśvaram'—no God—with the certainty they deny to others. This is not open inquiry but closed dogma serving desire."
Sadhak: "What about those who genuinely cannot believe in God despite sincere effort?"
Guru: "Sincere seekers who struggle with belief are not demoniac—their very sincerity is divine. The test is not correct conclusions but honest inquiry. One can be uncertain about metaphysics while living with integrity, compassion, and service. The demoniac use their philosophy to justify harm. The honest doubter restrains from harm despite doubt. The fruit reveals the root."
Sadhak: "What does 'kāma-haitukam' mean—desire as the cause of the world?"
Guru: "The demoniac see existence as driven by blind craving—atoms combining through attraction, beings seeking pleasure without higher purpose. In this view, desire is not something to transcend but the fundamental force to obey. If desire rules the cosmos, then following desire is aligning with reality. This philosophy turns vice into virtue."
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🌅 Daily Practice
Reflect on your fundamental assumptions: 'Do I live as if truth matters? As if there is a moral foundation to reality? As if my actions are witnessed by a higher awareness?' These assumptions shape behavior even when unconscious. Consciously affirm a meaningful universe as the context for your day.
When desire arises, notice what philosophy activates to justify it. The demoniac voice says: 'Nothing matters, do what you want, there's no real consequence.' The divine voice says: 'There is truth, there is dharma, your actions matter.' Which voice are you listening to? This awareness breaks the automatic justification pattern.
Consider the day's choices: 'Did I act as if there is truth, or as if anything goes? Did I honor moral law, or did I believe myself exempt?' Without judgment, observe how philosophy and behavior intertwine. End by reconnecting to the sense of meaning, order, and presence that transcends demoniac nihilism.