Cast Into the Ocean – The Destiny of Envious Demons
The cosmos is populated by two distinct classes of living beings: the obedient devotees (suras) and the envious demons (asuras). Śrīla Prabhupāda explains that the root cause of the demoniac nature is envy of Kṛṣṇa. This envy drives them to blaspheme the Lord, harm His devotees, and propagate disastrous activities. Because of this deep-seated enmity, the Lord imparts a heavy punishment: they are perpetually cast into the ocean of material suffering, blocked from ever understanding the Supreme Truth. This article examines the scriptural verdict on envious demons, their crooked nature, and the inevitable consequences of their hostility.
Cast into the Ocean of Material Existence
The destiny of the envious is sealed by the Lord Himself. In the Bhagavad-gītā, Kṛṣṇa declares that those who are envious and mischievous—the lowest among mankind—are not given liberation. Instead, they are repeatedly cast into the ocean of material existence and forced to take birth in demoniac species. This cycle ensures that they remain in the darkest regions of matter, unable to approach the Supreme Lord.
- In Bhagavad-gita (16.19) Lord Krsna says: Those who are envious and mischievous, who are the lowest among men, are cast by Me into the ocean of material existence, into various demoniac species of life.
- As for the demoniac, it is clearly said here (in BG 16.19) that they are perpetually put into the wombs of demons, and thus they continue to be envious, the lowest of mankind.
- Krsna declares: Those who are envious and mischievous, who are the lowest among mankind, I perpetually cast into the ocean of material existence, into various demoniac species of life - BG 16.19.
- Those who are envious, asuric, demons, I put them in such abominable life that they'll never be able to understand Me (Krsna) - It's the greatest punishment. For a living being, if he forgets Krsna, in any condition of life, it is the greatest punishment.
The Nature of the Asura: Crooked and Malicious
The character of an envious person is compared to that of a snake (sarpa). However, Śrīla Prabhupāda notes that a demon is worse than a snake. While a snake can be charmed by mantras or herbs, an envious person cannot be controlled by any means. They are inherently hostile to the devotees and the Vedic culture. Because of this unalterable nature, the Lord considers it unwise to distribute the nectar of devotion to them. Instead, He appears specifically to cheat or kill them.
- It is said, sarpah krurah khalah krurah sarpat kruratarah khalah: "The snake is very crooked and envious, and so also is a person like a demon."
- Considering this logic (One can bring a snake under control with mantras, herbs and drugs, but an envious and crooked person cannot be brought under control by any means), the SP of Godhead thought it unwise to distribute nectar to the demons.
- There are two classes of human beings, namely the envious and the obedient. Since the Supreme Lord is one and the father of all living beings, the envious living beings are also His sons, but they are known as the asuras.
- Not only are the asuras envious of the Lord in even denying the existence of the Lord, but they are also envious of all other living beings.
Historical Examples: Kaṁsa and Hiraṇyakaśipu
History is replete with examples of envious demons who wrought havoc on the world. Kaṁsa, upon learning of his destiny, became envious of the entire Yadu dynasty and killed his own nephews, abandoning all family affection. Similarly, the followers of Hiraṇyakaśipu accepted his instructions to engage in envious activities against all living beings. Even powerful demons like Tṛṇāvarta were killed specifically because of their cruel and sinful nature. These narratives serve as warnings of the destructive power of envy.
- In his previous birth, Kamsa had been a great demon named Kalanemi and been killed by Visnu. Upon learning this information from Narada, Kamsa became envious of everyone connected with the Yadu dynasty - SB 10.1.68.
- I (Kamsa) have acted just like a demon in killing my own nephews - your children - and thereby I have given up all consideration of our intimate relationship. I do not know what will be the result of these envious acts of mine.
- Thus the demons, being fond of disastrous activities, took Hiranyakasipu's instructions on their heads with great respect and offered him obeisances. According to his directions, they engaged in envious activities directed against all living beings.
- Because this demon (Trnavarta) was envious, cruel and sinful, he has been killed for his own sinful activities. This is the law of nature - SB 10.7.31.
Modern Envy: Science and Pseudo-Religion
Envy is not limited to ancient mythological figures; it is a driving force in modern civilization. Śrīla Prabhupāda identifies the discovery of nuclear energy as a prime example of envy toward the general populace. Furthermore, pseudo-religionists who dress as spiritual guides but act against the Vedic culture are also classified as envious demons. Whether through scientific weaponry or false propaganda, these forces work to make people forget God, and as a result, they are sent deeper into the darkest regions of hell.
- The followers of demoniac principles are thoroughly envious of the general populace. In the present day, scientific advancement exemplifies such envy. The discovery of nuclear energy has been disastrous.
- Pseudo religionists cannot, however, escape the law of the Supreme, who has clearly declared in the Bhagavad-gita that envious demons in the garb of religious propagandists shall be thrown into the darkest regions of hell (16.19-20).
- The demoniac persons who want to kill the Vedic culture are extremely envious of the feeble citizens, and they act in such a way that ultimately their discoveries will be inauspicious for everyone.
Conclusion
The path of the envious is a downward spiral into darkness. Śrīla Prabhupāda’s teachings clarify that the Supreme Lord is the father of all, but He reciprocates according to the attitude of the living entity. Those who harbor envy toward the Lord and His devotees are classified as sura-dviṣām—enemies of the godly. Their destiny is not salvation or peace, but a perpetual residence in the ocean of material existence. By understanding the fate of the envious, the sincere soul is encouraged to abandon all malice and take shelter of the obedient path of devotion, avoiding the "greatest punishment" of forgetting Kṛṣṇa.
Dive Deeper into Śrīla Prabhupāda's Vani
Śrīla Prabhupāda lives within his instructions. This article is a summary of the profound truths found in the Vaniquotes category Envious Demons. We invite you to visit this link to study the complete compilation and experience Śrīla Prabhupāda's teachings in their direct, verbatim form.