30-Day Bhagavad Gita Study
Inner Conflict
Day 23
Divine and Demonic Natures
“Fearlessness, purity of heart, perseverance in knowledge and practice, charity, self-control, sacrifice, study, austerity — these are the divine qualities.”
— BG 16.1
Chapter 16 makes a stark division between divine (daivi) and demonic (asuric) qualities — but acknowledges that these coexist in most human beings. The Gita does not pretend the shadow does not exist. It asks for clear-eyed recognition of what is divine and what is not, without self-deception.
Reflection
Which quality from the demonic list — pride, anger, greed, arrogance — do you most consistently rationalise as justified?
Today's Practice
Choose one quality from the divine list that you currently lack. For today, practise it in one specific context.
BG 16.1BG 16.2