Acharya Prashant explains the definition of a demon (Asura) as per Chapter 16 of the Shrimad Bhagvad Gita. An Asura is one who keeps the scriptures aside, detests, ignores, and even derides them. Such a person says, "What I know is right. What I feel like saying is the truth. My own experience determines the truth." This disregard and hatred for spiritual scriptures is the demon's fundamental relationship with them. Shri Krishna concretely states that instead of listening to the scriptures, demons want to act under the impulse of their own desire, which they take as supreme. For them, there is nothing higher than the dictates of their own desires and tendencies. This approach is what they call their liberty and freedom. They believe, "If I feel like doing something, I'll do that," making their feelings and impulses the determinant of their actions. They consider themselves free and believe that since truth is freedom, following the path of their desire will lead them to truth. They also assert that whatever makes them happy is worth doing. According to Shri Krishna, this is an outright demonic approach to life. The moment one encounters someone who says, "Do that which makes you happy," one should remember Shri Krishna's teaching that this is a demonic (Asuri) approach. The defining characteristic of an Asura is that they will not listen to or read the scriptures, because the scriptures would not permit them to do whatever they want. In contrast, Shri Krishna advises in verse 24 of Chapter 16, "Let the scripture be the authority." This counters the modern fashion of refusing to accept any authority. He instructs that the scriptures, not one's own tendencies, likes, dislikes, or prejudices, must ascertain what ought to be done and what ought not to be done. One must refer to the scriptures, listen to them, and seek their advice. If a person does not listen to the scriptures, the only force left to command their life is the ego. One will either listen to the scriptures or follow the commands of the ego. The speaker clarifies that the ego is not a friend; it is foolish and will end up causing great harm even if it tries to do good. Therefore, one should not be so confident in oneself but should have some discretion and respect for what the scriptures are saying.