Date : 04 Jul 2025

Angels and Demons Within was the subject of Swami Avyayananda’s six-day series of discourses at CCWU – July 4-9. These fascinating talks were based on Chapter 16 of the Bhagavad Geeta: Daiviasura-Sampad-Vibhaga-Yoga. This gyana yagna was a ready reckoner for seekers on how to evolve spiritually. Swami Avyayananda enumerated the twenty-six virtues of those born with a divine disposition.

Those who are not endowed with these qualities have to strive to cultivate them. The saving grace is that attaining any one of these qualities ensures that the others will follow. The presence of divine qualities in a person precedes success and greatness and, in special cases, the arrival of Moksha itself. The asuri qualities, on the other hand, lead to sorrow and bondage and cause downfall. These may be fewer in number, but their potency cannot be nderestimated. They ensnare us, pulling us towards downfall and despair. Bhagavan’s detailed exploration of these negative traits serves a crucial purpose: to illuminate our paths and guide us toward self-awareness.

In the concluding verses, Bhagavan advises us on how to accelerate our spiritual evolution by renouncing anger, lust, and greed—three gateways to hell. By following the method of self-perfection outlined in the scriptures, we can achieve the supreme goal. Let’s take Bhagavan’s teachings to heart and commit ourselves to this transformative journey.