प्रवृत्तिं च निवृत्तिं च जना न विदुरासुराः।
न शौचं नापि चाचारो न सत्यं तेषु विद्यते।। १६.७ ।।
Summary Translation:
Those who are demoniac do not know what is to be done and what is not to be done. Neither cleanliness nor proper behavior nor truth is found in them.
In this verse, Lord Krishna defines the Foundation of the demonic mindset, which is a complete lack of Discernment. Demonic individuals do not understand Pravritti (the path of righteousness) or Nivritti (the path of renunciation). This Confusion leads them to act in ways that are Destructive to their own souls. The analysis reveals that the absence of Shaucham (internal and external purity) and Satyam (truthfulness) creates a Barrier between the individual and the Divine. For a Hindu, these qualities are not just Ethics but are Essential for maintaining Balance in life. Krishna is Instructing us that without Purity, one’s Conduct (Achara) becomes Corrupt. The Significance of this shloka is that it identifies the Void in a demonic person’s heart, where there is no room for Dharma. This Ignorance is the Root of all their suffering. By Identifying these traits, the seeker can Guard against the Influence of lower modes of nature. Krishna’s Diagnosis proves that the demonic nature is Blind to the Truth of existence. Thus, this verse serves as a Warning that without Integrity, the soul remains Bound to the cycle of rebirth. It establishes the Necessity of Cleanliness to achieve Peace.