Srimad Bhagavad Gita Shloka 16.19

“These cruel, hateful beings, the worst among men, I hurl into demonic wombs in the cycle of birth.”
Key Teaching: Krishna casts hateful demonic beings into lower births.
Theme: Guidance, Jnana Yoga, Moksha Sannyasa Yoga, Karma Yoga.
Description:
Krishna declares that He hurls cruel, hateful demonic beings, the worst among men, into demonic wombs in samsara. This verse, continuing 16.18, addresses Arjuna’s quest (2.9, 13.1). The themes of guidance, as Krishna warns of consequences, Jnana Yoga, as he emphasizes delusion’s outcome, Moksha Sannyasa Yoga, as he highlights bondage, and Karma Yoga, as he addresses rebirth, are central.

In the Mahabharata, Duryodhana’s cruelty (1.3–11) aligns with this fate, contrasting Arjuna’s virtue (1.28–46). The teaching aligns with Jnana Yoga (13.9) and Karma Yoga (2.22), emphasizing karmic consequences. Krishna builds on demonic hatred (16.18), detailing their rebirth.

Philosophically, the verse links actions to rebirth, a theme refined with teachings on karma (2.22). Arjuna’s path is clarified by avoiding cruelty. The Gita’s focus on Moksha Sannyasa Yoga warns against lower births. The verse connects to teachings on rebirth (2.22).

Sanjaya’s narration ensures objective clarity. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s consequences, where hatred leads to downfall. Krishna’s teaching prepares readers to act virtuously, aligning with moksha. The warning resonates with Arjuna’s duty to uphold righteousness.