In chapter 14 of Bhagavad-gita “The Divine and Demonic Natures”, Krishna describes and compares two kinds of qualities and those who possess them. The divine or transcendental qualities, in the mode of goodness, are conducive to spiritual progress; the demoniac qualities, in the modes of passion and ignorance, conversely, are detrimental to spiritual progress, and they lead to lower birth and further material bondage. Those who possess divine qualities live regulated lives, abiding by the authority of scripture, and attain perfection; those possessing demoniac qualities act whimsically (without reference to scripture) and are bound by material nature.
First, Krishna lists twenty-three transcendental qualities “born of the godly atmosphere” These qualities, as previously mentioned, are auspicious for progress on the path of liberation from the material world. Krishna then gives Arjuna a synopsis of the qualities of the demoniac (viz., arrogance, pride, anger, conceit, harshness and ignorance). Krishna states that the transcendental qualities lead to liberation whereas the demoniac qualities lead to bondage. He assures Arjuna that he need not worry, for he has been “born with transcendental qualities.” Krishna thus encourages Arjuna by indicating that Arjuna’s involvement in the Battle is not demoniac, for he is not acting under the influence of anger, false prestige or harshness. According to the scriptural injunctions governing his social order, fighting in a religious war is godly activity whereas refraining from such duty would be demoniac, or irreligious. Forward”.
Krishna then gives a graphic description of the demoniac. Essentially, the demoniac are atheists and materialists who violate the scriptural injunctions guiding human behavior, both socially and spiritually. Such persons conceive the world to have no foundation or purpose, and thus they tend toward whimsical and destructive activities. For them, the ultimate goal of life is gratification of the senses. They are attracted by impermanent, material things.
Bound by multitudinous material desires, they obtain money by any means. They are conceited, lusty, complacent and impudent, and there is no end to their anxiety. Such demoniac persons take birth in various lower species of life and “sink down to the most abominable position of existence,” wherein they can never approach Krishna. Every sane man, Krishna cautions, should give up lust, anger and greed, the “three gates leading down to hell.” By escaping these, one can elevate oneself to self-realization and “the supreme destination”.
Krishna concludes by saying that one who lives whimsically, without following the regulations of scripture (meant to elevate a person to spiritual realization), attains neither perfection nor happiness, whereas one who understands Vedic scriptural regulations and guides his life accordingly is gradually elevated (to spiritual perfection).
Therefore, there is no scarcity of both pious and impious human beings, today and in the near future. Moreover, the quantity of impious is much greater than pious. Nevertheless, the advent of Lord Caitanya and His Golden Age of Kali, will assure, that as the future progresses, the number of pious will eventually be greater than the impious, and will continue to get greater. Therefore, the preaching opportunities look very “rosy” “Going Forward”.
Krishna says that, four kinds of pious men begin to render devotional service unto Him,
- The distressed.
- The desire of wealth.
- The inquisitive.
- And he who is searching for knowledge of the Absolute.
Therefore, these four kinds of human beings will be there, “Going Forward”, and Srila Prabhupada Krishna-consciousness movement must be able to accommodate them with suitable preaching programs “Going