223. Demon finds a Match

Krishna describes the demonic natured and says, “With multiple minds, entangled in the web of delusion, addicted to the gratification of sensuous pleasures, they sink into a foul hell (16.16). Such self-conceited, stubborn people, intoxicated by pride and arrogance in wealth, perform the sacrifices hypocritically and without following the scriptural injunctions (16.17). Blinded by ahankaar (I am a doer), power, arrogance, desire, and anger, these malicious men despise Me who dwells within themselves and also in all beings (16.18). These cruel haters, perpetrators of evil and worst among men, I hurl again and again into demonic wombs in the spheres of transmigration (16.19). These ignorant souls take birth again and again in demonic wombs. Failing to reach Me, O Arjuna, they gradually sink to the most abominable type of existence” (16.20).

Krishna earlier declared that He is equally disposed to all living beings. None is dweshya (hateful) and none is priya (dear) to Him (9.29). But the above verses indicate that He hates demonic persons and hence, keeps them in an abominable type of existence.

The apparent contradiction arises from our assumption that Krishna to be a person whereas He is existence itself. He is simply describing the rules that govern existence. It’s like the law of gravity where a fall is inevitable when we jump from a height. Krishna earlier described the same as, “In whatever way people approach Me, in that measure, I manifest Myself to them” (4.11). When one takes the demonic path, the existence automatically reacts in a demonic way - maybe in due course of time.

Our physical body is the best example of the never-ending benevolence of existence in terms of evolution, master crafting and coherence. It’s being grateful for whatever is bestowed upon us rather than grabbing from existence for sensual gratification.