Chapter 16, Verse 18
अहङ्कारं बलं दर्पं कामं क्रोधं च संश्रिता: | मामात्मपरदेहेषु प्रद्विषन्तोऽभ्यसूयका: ॥18॥
ahaṅkāraṃ balaṃ darpaṃ kāmaṃ krodhaṃ ca saṃśritāḥ | mām ātmaparadeheṣu pradviṣanto 'bhyasūyakāḥ
"Taking refuge in egotism, power, arrogance, lust, and anger, these malicious people revile Me in their own bodies and in those of others."
Key Insight:
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 16.18 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 16.18 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
Detailed Meaning
Lord Krishna identifies the psychological pillars of a demoniac nature: ego, brute force, pride, desire, and wrath. By being 'saṃśritāḥ' (taking shelter) in these traits, individuals become blinded to the 'Paramatma' (Supreme Soul) residing within everyone. Their envy ('abhyasūyakāḥ') leads them to mistreat others and themselves, effectively hating the Divine presence that sustains all life. This verse highlights that cruelty to any living being is ultimately an act of defiance against the Creator.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core message of Gita 16.18?
Taking refuge in egotism, power, arrogance, lust, and anger, these malicious people revile Me in their own bodies and in those of others.