The detailed portrait of the demonic nature begins here. Krishna identifies its most basic flaw: these people do not know the difference between pravritti and nivritti — what ought to be done and what ought to be avoided. It is like a compass that has lost its needle. Without this fundamental sense of direction, every step leads further astray.
When someone cannot distinguish right from wrong, how can they live a good life? This confusion is not accidental — it comes from willful disregard. They have chosen to ignore the guideposts that tradition, scripture, and wise elders provide.
Krishna adds three absences that define this state: no shaucha (cleanliness of body and mind), no achara (decent conduct), and no satya (truthfulness). These three are the bedrock of any worthwhile life. Without them, everything built on top is unstable — like constructing a house on sand.