Bhagavad Gita · Verse 16.7
Chapter 16: Daivasura Sampad Vibhaga Yoga (दैवासुरसम्पद्विभागयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
प्रवृत्तिं च निवृत्तिं च जना न विदुरासुराः । न शौचं नापि चाचारो न सत्यं तेषु विद्यते ॥७॥
pravṛttiṃ ca nivṛttiṃ ca janā na vidurāsurāḥ | na śaucaṃ nāpi cācāro na satyaṃ teṣu vidyate ||7||
Complete Shloka Translation
People of demonic disposition do not know what should be undertaken or what should be avoided. Neither purity, proper conduct nor truthfulness is found in them.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| प्रवृत्ति | pravṛtti | engagement in action |
| निवृत्ति | nivṛtti | restraint or withdrawal |
| प्रवृत्तिं | pravṛttiṃ | [term] in context of People of demonic disposition ... |
| निवृत्तिं | ca | [term] in context of People of demonic disposition ... |
| जना | nivṛttiṃ | [term] in context of People of demonic disposition ... |
| विदुरासुराः | ca | [term] in context of People of demonic disposition ... |
| शौचं | janā | [term] in context of People of demonic disposition ... |
| नापि | na | [term] in context of People of demonic disposition ... |
| चाचारो | vidurāsurāḥ | [term] in context of People of demonic disposition ... |
| सत्यं | na | [term] in context of People of demonic disposition ... |
| तेषु | śaucaṃ | [term] in context of People of demonic disposition ... |
| विद्यते | nāpi | [term] in context of People of demonic disposition ... |
engagement in action
restraint or withdrawal
[term] in context of People of demonic disposition ...
[term] in context of People of demonic disposition ...
[term] in context of People of demonic disposition ...
[term] in context of People of demonic disposition ...
[term] in context of People of demonic disposition ...
[term] in context of People of demonic disposition ...
[term] in context of People of demonic disposition ...
[term] in context of People of demonic disposition ...
[term] in context of People of demonic disposition ...
[term] in context of People of demonic disposition ...
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
Pravritti and nivritti concern appropriate engagement and restraint in this ethical setting. Ignoring both removes the checks that protect oneself and others, linking inner confusion to conduct rather than merely to a lack of information.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Before acting, ask whether the action is truthful, responsible and worth doing."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
What should you undertake, and what should you refrain from today?
Modern Life Implementation (Practical Real-Life Application)
Apply this verse to master daily focus: anchor your consciousness in higher values, let go of anxious attachment to results, and act with integrity and kindness in every endeavor.