Verse 16-18

अहङ्कारं बलं दर्पं कामं क्रोधं च संश्रिता: |

मामात्मपरदेहेषु प्रद्विषन्तोऽभ्यसूयका: || 18 ||

“They are absorbed in ego, power, arrogance, desire, and anger. They harbor envy and malice towards Me, perceiving themselves as separate from Me.”

Commentary

This verse describes the mindset and attitude of those who are engulfed in worldly attachments and ego-driven tendencies. Such individuals are driven by their ego, considering themselves to be separate and independent entities, disconnected from the divine presence.

 

They are strongly attached to materialistic desires and seek power, control, and recognition. Their arrogance and pride stem from their identification with their physical bodies and the false notion of being the sole doer of their actions. They are motivated by selfish desires and are prone to anger when their desires are unfulfilled or when faced with challenges and obstacles.

 

Instead of recognizing the divine presence within themselves and others, they nurture feelings of envy and resentment towards the Supreme Being. Their distorted perception leads them to view themselves as separate from the divine, causing them to harbor ill will and negativity.

 

By emphasizing the qualities of ego, power, arrogance, desire, and anger, the verse highlights the negative traits that hinder spiritual growth and divine connection. It serves as a reminder that attachment to worldly desires and the ego-driven mindset creates barriers to experiencing unity and harmony with the divine.

 

The verse encourages individuals to overcome these negative tendencies and cultivate a sense of oneness with the divine. It implies the need to transcend ego and self-centeredness and embrace a more selfless and inclusive perspective. By letting go of envy, malice, and self-centered desires, one can develop a deeper connection with the divine and experience true spiritual fulfillment.

 

In summary, the verse underscores the importance of recognizing the detrimental effects of ego, desire, and anger on one’s spiritual journey. It calls for introspection and the cultivation of virtues such as humility, selflessness, and contentment. By transcending ego-driven tendencies and aligning oneself with the divine, one can attain inner peace and harmony.