Chapter 16, Verse 12
आशापाशशतैर्बद्धा: कामक्रोधपरायणा: | ईहन्ते कामभोगार्थमन्यायेनार्थसञ्जयान् ॥12॥
āśā-pāśa-śataiḥ baddhāḥ kāma-krodha-parāyaṇāḥ |
īhante kāma-bhogārtham anyāyenārtha-sañcayān ||
"Bound by hundreds of shackles in the form of hope, giving themselves wholly to passion and anger, they endeavour to amass wealth through foul means for the enjoyment of desirable objects."
Key Insight:
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 16.12 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 16.12 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
Detailed Meaning
This verse describes the psychological and ethical state of individuals with 'Asuric' (demonic) tendencies. They are enslaved by 'āśā-pāśa' (the noose of expectations) and driven by 'kāma' (desire) and 'krodha' (anger). Because their desires are insatiable, they resort to 'anyāyena' (unjust/unlawful means) to accumulate wealth. The Vedic perspective, specifically from the Bhagavatam, warns that one is only entitled to what is necessary for maintenance; exceeding this without charity is considered theft against the cosmic order, leading to double karmic punishment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core message of Gita 16.12?
Bound by hundreds of shackles in the form of hope, giving themselves wholly to passion and anger, they endeavour to amass wealth through foul means for the enjoyment of desirable objects.