विवेचन सारांश
Desire, Anger, and Greed are the gateways to Hell, and hence need to be overcome.
Chapter 16 of the Srimad Bhagavad Gītā is Daivāsura Sampad Vibhāga Yoga - The Divine and the Demoniac qualities.
The session began with prayers and lighting of the divine lamp.
It is solely due to the grace of the Supreme Divine that one has been bestowed with the blessing to learn and imbibe the divine wisdom of the Srimad Bhagavad Gītā. One should remember that it is not the seeker who chooses to read this the Gītā, but the Supreme Divine who chooses the seeker to read and imbibe the teachings of the Gītā. To be able to learn Gīta is itself a blessing from Bhagavān. One must read, memorize and learn Gīta for one's own good. The Divine knowledge of the Srimad Bhagavad Gītā brings a shift in one's consciousness from a state of ignorance to a state of veracity and knowledge. The divine wisdom imparted in the Gītā helps one overcome any situation in daily life from a state of serenity and enables one to walk on the path of virtuousness.
In this chapter, Bhagavān elaborately explains the two kinds of human nature - the divine and the demoniac. Bhagavān says that the divine-nature persons are inclined towards the mode of goodness, align to the instructions given in the scriptures, and purify the mind with spiritual practices. Such behavior attracts Daivi sampatti or Divine-like qualities, which puts them on the path of spiritual elevation and realization. On the contrary, the demoniac-nature persons are more inclined towards the modes of passion and ignorance and materially focused insatiable desires. One desire leads to another, and hence, one is gripped by a vicious cycle of desires. Unfulfilled desires lead to a state of misery.
The session began with prayers and lighting of the divine lamp.
It is solely due to the grace of the Supreme Divine that one has been bestowed with the blessing to learn and imbibe the divine wisdom of the Srimad Bhagavad Gītā. One should remember that it is not the seeker who chooses to read this the Gītā, but the Supreme Divine who chooses the seeker to read and imbibe the teachings of the Gītā. To be able to learn Gīta is itself a blessing from Bhagavān. One must read, memorize and learn Gīta for one's own good. The Divine knowledge of the Srimad Bhagavad Gītā brings a shift in one's consciousness from a state of ignorance to a state of veracity and knowledge. The divine wisdom imparted in the Gītā helps one overcome any situation in daily life from a state of serenity and enables one to walk on the path of virtuousness.
In this chapter, Bhagavān elaborately explains the two kinds of human nature - the divine and the demoniac. Bhagavān says that the divine-nature persons are inclined towards the mode of goodness, align to the instructions given in the scriptures, and purify the mind with spiritual practices. Such behavior attracts Daivi sampatti or Divine-like qualities, which puts them on the path of spiritual elevation and realization. On the contrary, the demoniac-nature persons are more inclined towards the modes of passion and ignorance and materially focused insatiable desires. One desire leads to another, and hence, one is gripped by a vicious cycle of desires. Unfulfilled desires lead to a state of misery.
In the earlier session we learnt about 26 divine qualities that we need to nurture & inculcate in our lives for attaining liberation. Now we will start learning about the demonical qualities that cause bondage with the material world and hence should be shunned by us to free ourselves from the cycle of Life & Death.
16.4
dambho darpo'bhimānaśca, krodhaḥ(ph) pāruṣyameva ca,
ajñānaṃ(ñ) cābhijātasya, pārtha sampadamāsurīm 16.4
Hypocrisy, arrogance, pride and anger, sternness and ignorance too - these are the marks of him, who is born with demoniac properties.
Sri Krishna Paramātmā outlines the six qualities of the demonic nature (asuri sampada) as a contrast to the divine qualities described in earlier slokas.
- Dambhah: Hypocrisy, putting on a show of what one doesn’t own. For example showing off a yellow metal chain as Gold to others.
- Darpah: Arrogance, undue pride stemming from misconceptions about wealth, power, or birth. eg:- showing off an expensive shirt before others.
- Abhimanah: Self-conceit, inflated ego based on material possessions, education, or social status. Superior feeling over others which arises due to hypocrisy and arrogance.
- Parusyam : Harshness, cruelty, and a lack of compassion over trivial things.
- Krodhah: Anger, uncontrolled rage often fueled by frustration and desires. Shouting on every one for simple reasons.
- Ajnanam: Ignorance, the absence of spiritual knowledge and the inability to distinguish between right and wrong.
These six qualities are asuri gunas that impede one's spiritual progress and lead down to a destructive path.
daivī sampadvimokṣāya, nibandhāyāsurī matā,
mā śucaḥ(s) saṃpadaṃ(n) daivīm, abhijāto'si pāṇḍava 16.5
The divine endowment has been recognized as conducive to liberation, and the demoniac one as leading to bondage. Grieve not, Arjuna, for you are born with the divine propensities.
Paramātmā explains about the results obtained due the presence of divine qualities and demoniacal qualities in one's life. If the divine qualities are imbibed by the sadhaka, it leads to moksha or liberation but the demoniacal qualities lead to bondages with the material world.
"Prayojanam anuddishya na mando pi pravartate" - It is said in our scriptures that even a fool does not undertake an action unless the purpose of the action is known. Unless the Phala or result is known the divine qualities are not practiced by any one. If we are interested in the liberation of our soul, then we should practice the divine qualities. Why should one get intersted in liberation? The answer to this question is explained with self questioning.
"Prayojanam anuddishya na mando pi pravartate" - It is said in our scriptures that even a fool does not undertake an action unless the purpose of the action is known. Unless the Phala or result is known the divine qualities are not practiced by any one. If we are interested in the liberation of our soul, then we should practice the divine qualities. Why should one get intersted in liberation? The answer to this question is explained with self questioning.
- Why should one study? For getting a job.
- Why should one do a job? For earning money.
- Why earn money? To buy many things and get happiness.
- Why should one yearn for happiness? There is no answer to this question.
It is clear that every one is after the ultimate goal i.e. Happiness. This ultimate goal of Happiness is obtained by following the divine qualities that lead to liberation from this samsara.
Sri Krishna Paramātmā asks Arjuna not to grieve as he already possesses these divine qualities (Masuchah- Grieve not).
Sri Krishna Paramātmā asks Arjuna not to grieve as he already possesses these divine qualities (Masuchah- Grieve not).
dvau bhūtasargau loke'smin, daiva āsura eva ca,
daivo vistaraśaḥ(ph) prokta, āsuraṃ(m) pārtha me śṛṇu 16.6
There are only two types of men in this world, Arjuna, the one possessing a divine nature and the other possessing a demoniac disposition. Of these, the type possessing divine nature has been dealt with at length; now hear in detail from Me about the type possessing demoniac disposition.
Bhagavān speaks about two types (dvau) of people in this world (lokesmin)- The divine and demoniacal people.
bhutasargau means living beings. Bhuta in sanskrit means element. Human beings are considered as "panchabhuta prani " which means made up of 5 elements - Ether, earth, air, water and fire. Bhuta padardha are Trees, Stones. etc.
Addressing Arjuna as Pārtha (Pritha (Kunti) putraha Pārthah), Paramātmā says that HE has already explained divine qualities in the first three slokas in detail and now HE is asking Arjuna to listen about the demoniacal qualities. Bhagavān has detailed about both these qualities because both of these parameters are present in all the human beings. No one is perfect. Some qualities may be present more and some less in all the beings. If the divine qualities are more the person has more divine in nature but he is also asuri at some other point of time. We can try to reduce the demoniacal qualities as much as possible and try to increase the divine qualities with practice. We can achieve this only by doing saranagati to Bhagavān.
bhutasargau means living beings. Bhuta in sanskrit means element. Human beings are considered as "panchabhuta prani " which means made up of 5 elements - Ether, earth, air, water and fire. Bhuta padardha are Trees, Stones. etc.
Addressing Arjuna as Pārtha (Pritha (Kunti) putraha Pārthah), Paramātmā says that HE has already explained divine qualities in the first three slokas in detail and now HE is asking Arjuna to listen about the demoniacal qualities. Bhagavān has detailed about both these qualities because both of these parameters are present in all the human beings. No one is perfect. Some qualities may be present more and some less in all the beings. If the divine qualities are more the person has more divine in nature but he is also asuri at some other point of time. We can try to reduce the demoniacal qualities as much as possible and try to increase the divine qualities with practice. We can achieve this only by doing saranagati to Bhagavān.
pravṛttiṃ(ñ) ca nivṛttiṃ(ñ) ca, janā na vidurāsurāḥ,
na śaucaṃ(n) nāpi cācāro, na satyaṃ(n) teṣu vidyate 16.7
Men possessing a demoniac disposition know not what right activity is, and what right abstinence from activity is. Hence they possess neither purity (external or internal) nor good conduct nor even truthfulness.
Paramātmā talks about the thoughts of the demoniacal people. These demoniacal people do not know what is right and what is wrong. They do not possess the purity (Na soucham), good conduct and truthfulness. They speak whatever they want to speak without caring about the other people. The demonical people do not believe in the supreme. They are generally atheists and think themselves as the Bhagavān.
Incase we don't keep our houses clean, do not wash clothes regularly or do not wash hands before eating food then we come under this category of the asuri guna. This is about external purity. If our thoughts are not pure and we have bad thoughts then it is internal impurity. This also comes under not having the Soucham.
Napi Chahcharo = Do not follow the achara or rules. They do not have good conduct.
It is to be understood that a person is said to be divine in nature at one period of time and also considered demoniacal at another point of time. For example, if a person does sacrifice/ pooja and has good conduct, he is divine in nature. But the same person is demoniacal when he is angry, uses harsh words, thinks ill & harms others. The Pradhana guna expressed by the person at a particular point of time decides the character of the person at that point of time.
It should also to be kept in mind that these parameters are told only to check ourselves but not others. It is not our duty to check others. The check list given by the Bhagavān is for improving one's character rather than checking on others.
Napi Chahcharo = Do not follow the achara or rules. They do not have good conduct.
It is to be understood that a person is said to be divine in nature at one period of time and also considered demoniacal at another point of time. For example, if a person does sacrifice/ pooja and has good conduct, he is divine in nature. But the same person is demoniacal when he is angry, uses harsh words, thinks ill & harms others. The Pradhana guna expressed by the person at a particular point of time decides the character of the person at that point of time.
It should also to be kept in mind that these parameters are told only to check ourselves but not others. It is not our duty to check others. The check list given by the Bhagavān is for improving one's character rather than checking on others.
asatyamapratiṣṭhaṃ(n) te, jagadāhuranīśvaram,
aparasparasambhūtaṃ(ṅ), kimanyatkāmahaitukam 16.8
Men of demoniac disposition say this world is without any foundation, absolutely unreal and Godless, brought forth by mutual union of the male and female and hence conceived in lust; what else than this?
Paramātmā further explains about the demoniacal thoughts. The people with these characters feel that this world is not true (asatyam) and without any foundation (apratisthan). They also think that there is no cause for this creation and do not believe in the creation by Supreme. They further believe that the world is created due to the mutual union of the male & female beings. They think that lust is the cause of this creation and there is no other reason for this world. The definitions given in the scriptures are not accepted by these demoniacal people.
etāṃ(n) dṛṣṭimavaṣṭabhya, naṣṭātmāno'lpabuddhayaḥ,
prabhavantyugrakarmāṇaḥ, kṣayāya jagato'hitāḥ 16.9
Clinging to this false view, these slow - witted men of vile disposition and terrible deeds, are enemies of mankind, bent on destruction of the world.
Krishna Paramātmā also describes the nature of the people with demoniac attributes as cruel, ruthless, engaging in barbaric activities without any remorse or repentance (Paschathaap). They take pride in doing such acts and their perspective is limited and distorted, failing to recognize the true nature of reality and the importance of spiritual understanding.
The demoniac people believe in unreal/ godless world/ without foundation and are atheistic in nature. They are killing their own souls and have inferior intellect. So, they commit sins by being cruel and only can lead to the destruction of the world. They cannot do anything for the welfare of the world but only cause harm to the world.
kāmamāśritya duṣpūraṃ(n), dambhamānamadānvitāḥ,
mohādgṛhītvāsadgrāhān, pravartante'śucivratāḥ 16.10
Cherishing insatiable desires and embracing false doctrines through ignorance, these men of impure conduct move in this world, full of hypocrisy, pride and arrogance.
Further Bhagavān says these demoniacal people cherish insatiable desires. They are always thinking of fulfilling their desires either by hook or cook and fall into the cycle of unfulfilled desires which come one after another.
They are controlled by insatiable desires and lust (kamamaasritya dushpooram). Dushpooran means insatiable desires; one desire is followed by another, leading to a continuous cycle of desires. For instance, a child wishes for a bicycle, and pleads with the parent assuring that it would be her last wish. However, very soon, a new desire for something bigger like car will carve in, followed by others. So the list is unending; our desires are unlimited.
People with insatiable desires are filled with pride (dambha), arrogance (maana), and conceit (madaa-nvitaaḥ). Due to delusion (moha), they cling to false notions and wrong ideas (asat-grahaan). They engage in actions based on impure vows and unrighteous conduct (ashuci-vrataaḥ).
They are controlled by insatiable desires and lust (kamamaasritya dushpooram). Dushpooran means insatiable desires; one desire is followed by another, leading to a continuous cycle of desires. For instance, a child wishes for a bicycle, and pleads with the parent assuring that it would be her last wish. However, very soon, a new desire for something bigger like car will carve in, followed by others. So the list is unending; our desires are unlimited.
People with insatiable desires are filled with pride (dambha), arrogance (maana), and conceit (madaa-nvitaaḥ). Due to delusion (moha), they cling to false notions and wrong ideas (asat-grahaan). They engage in actions based on impure vows and unrighteous conduct (ashuci-vrataaḥ).
cintāmaparimeyāṃ(ñ) ca, pralayāntāmupāśritāḥ,
kāmopabhogaparamā, etāvaditi niścitāḥ 16.11
Cherishing insatiable desires and embracing false doctrines through ignorance, these men of impure conduct move in this world, full of hypocrisy, pride and arrogance.
Further Bhagavān says these demoniacal people cherish insatiable desires. They are always thinking of fulfilling their desires either by hook or cook and fall into the cycle of unfulfilled desires which come one after another.
They are controlled by insatiable desires and lust (kamamaasritya dushpooram). Dushpooran means insatiable desires; one desire is followed by another, leading to a continuous cycle of desires. For instance, a child wishes for a bicycle, and pleads with the parent assuring that it would be her last wish. However, very soon, a new desire for something bigger like car will carve in, followed by others. So the list is unending; our desires are unlimited.
People with insatiable desires are filled with pride (dambha), arrogance (maana), and conceit (madaa-nvitaaḥ). Due to delusion (moha), they cling to false notions and wrong ideas (asat-grahaan). They engage in actions based on impure vows and unrighteous conduct (ashuci-vrataaḥ).
They are controlled by insatiable desires and lust (kamamaasritya dushpooram). Dushpooran means insatiable desires; one desire is followed by another, leading to a continuous cycle of desires. For instance, a child wishes for a bicycle, and pleads with the parent assuring that it would be her last wish. However, very soon, a new desire for something bigger like car will carve in, followed by others. So the list is unending; our desires are unlimited.
People with insatiable desires are filled with pride (dambha), arrogance (maana), and conceit (madaa-nvitaaḥ). Due to delusion (moha), they cling to false notions and wrong ideas (asat-grahaan). They engage in actions based on impure vows and unrighteous conduct (ashuci-vrataaḥ).
āśāpāśaśatairbaddhāḥ(kh), kāmakrodhaparāyaṇāḥ,
īhante kāmabhogārtham, anyāyenārthasañcayān 16.12
Held in bondage by hundreds of ties of expectation and wholly giving themselves up to lust and anger, they strive to amass by unfair means hoards of money and other objects for the enjoyment of sensuous pleasures.
Paramātmā emphasizes the negative consequences of an unrestrained desire for material things. The asuri attributes portray a life filled with anxiety, anger, and ultimately suffering.
- āśāpāśaśatairbaddhāḥ = Bounded by hundreds of desires(hopes)/ expectations.
- kāmakrodhaparāyaṇāḥ = devoted to the lust and anger.
- īhante kāmabhogārtham = strive in the world for fulfilling their lustful expectations and desires.
- anyāyenārthasañcayān = amass wealth by unlawful means.
idamadya mayā labdham, imaṃ(m) prāpsye manoratham,
idamastīdamapi me, bhaviṣyati punardhanam 16.13
They say to themselves, “This much has been secured by me today and now I shall realize this ambition. So much wealth is already with me and yet again this shall be mine”.
Paramātmā describes their arrogant nature in this sloka.
- idamadya mayā labdham = I have earned so much of money
- imaṃ prāpsye manoratham= I hope to earn much more
- idamastīdamapi me = All this money shall be mine
- bhaviṣyati punardhanam= In future also it shall be mine (who else is eligible to attain)
The demoniacal people are arrogant and their thought process is very demeaning. They proudly announce about the wealth they amassed, going to amass in future and declare that only they are eligible to attain such wealth and no other is eligible for such a provision.
asau mayā hataḥ(ś) śatruḥ(r), haniṣye cāparānapi,
īśvaro'hamahaṃ(m) bhogī, siddho'haṃ(m) balavānsukhī 16.14
“That enemy has been slain by me and I shall kill those others too. I am the Lord of all, and enjoyer of all power. I am endowed with all occult powers, and am mighty and happy.”
Krishna Paramātmā also describes about the cruel nature of demoniacal people. They announce to the world about their physical strength and how they can defeat their enemy with their valour & tenacity. They declare themselves as supreme god and that they possess power to control the world. They also think they can achieve anything and enjoyer of all wealth and power.
Prahlad and Hiranyakashipu:
Prahlad, the son of the Hiranyakshipu, hid his kittens in newly made pots, unaware that they were ready for burning in fire. When he realised that the pots were put into fire, he started crying, fearing the fate of the kittens. Narada muni advised him to pray for Sreemannarayan swamy. The little boy did so, and got his kittens back, without any harm done to them. He realised that Sreemannarayan swamy is the only god in the world, but not his father Hiranyakashipu who declared himself as God. He infuriated his father by refusing to bow down, and was sentenced to death as punishment. Sreemannarayan swamy came down to his devotee's rescue, and killed Hiranyakashipu.
- asau mayā hataḥ śatruḥ = My enemy will be killed by Me
- haniṣye cāparānapi = All other enemies will be killed by me.
- īśvaro'hamahaṃ bhogī = I am the God
- siddho'haṃ balavānsukhī = I can achieve anything and am the enjoyer of all things.
Prahlad and Hiranyakashipu:
Prahlad, the son of the Hiranyakshipu, hid his kittens in newly made pots, unaware that they were ready for burning in fire. When he realised that the pots were put into fire, he started crying, fearing the fate of the kittens. Narada muni advised him to pray for Sreemannarayan swamy. The little boy did so, and got his kittens back, without any harm done to them. He realised that Sreemannarayan swamy is the only god in the world, but not his father Hiranyakashipu who declared himself as God. He infuriated his father by refusing to bow down, and was sentenced to death as punishment. Sreemannarayan swamy came down to his devotee's rescue, and killed Hiranyakashipu.
āḍhyo'bhijanavānasmi, ko'nyosti sadṛśo mayā,
yakṣye dāsyāmi modiṣya, ityajñānavimohitāḥ 16.15
“I am wealthy and own a large family; who else is equal to me? I will sacrifice to Gods, will give alms, I will make merry.”
Bhagavān talks about the demoniacal people as deluded and live in illusions. They boast of possessing large family that support them and are are ignorant about the reality. They are arrogant about the charity and sacrifices made by them. They are confident about achieving anything & everything by unlawful means.
- āḍhya = wealthy
- abhijanavānasmi = own a large family
- ko'nyosti sadṛśo mayā =Who else is similar to me (No body is equal to me)
- yakṣye dāsyāmi modiṣya = I do lot of sacrifices and charities.
- ityajñānavimohitāḥ = deluded by the illusion and ignorance.
anekacittavibhrāntā, mohajālasamāvṛtāḥ,
prasaktāḥ(kh) kāmabhogeṣu, patanti narake'śucau 16.16
Thus deluded by ignorance, enveloped in the mesh of delusion and addicted to the enjoyment of sensuous pleasures, their mind bewildered by numerous thoughts, these men of devilish disposition fall into the foulest hell.
Krishna Bhagavān sympathises with these demoniacal people and talks about the fate of such people.
They are stubborn and always have multiple thoughts to fulfill their desires. Hence, they are caught in the vicious web of the attractions and find it difficult to come out of it. They are addicted to the lust and other worldly enjoyments. They finally end up in the Hell and have to suffer all the difficulties posed in Hell.
They are stubborn and always have multiple thoughts to fulfill their desires. Hence, they are caught in the vicious web of the attractions and find it difficult to come out of it. They are addicted to the lust and other worldly enjoyments. They finally end up in the Hell and have to suffer all the difficulties posed in Hell.
- anekacittavibhrāntā = Possessing multiple thoughts and desires
- mohajālasamāvṛtāḥ = Caught in the Web of attractions
- prasaktāḥ kāmabhogeṣu = always talk about the fulfillment of lust and enjoyments
- patanti narake'śucau = fall into the impure hell.
ātmasaṃbhāvitāḥ(s) stabdhā, dhanamānamadānvitāḥ,
yajante nāmayajñaiste, dambhenāvidhipūrVākam 16.17
Intoxicated by wealth and honour, those self-conceited and haughty men perform sacrifices only in name for ostentation, without following the sacred rituals.
Further Sri Krishna Paramātmā describes their arrogance and self Conceit while doing certain rituals and sacrifices. These demoniacal people are intoxicated by the pride and wealth . They are self centered and do self conceit with arrogance with performing sacrifices/ Yajnas. They do such rituals to show off but do not follow the sashtra. Also they perform nisshidha karmas which are not described in the scriptures.
- ātmasaṃbhāvitāḥ stabdhā =intoxicated by the pride
- dhanamānamadānvitāḥ= Pride and arrogance due to possession of wealth.
- yajante nāmayajñaiste= Perform rituals for namesake
- dambhenāvidhipūrVākam= Do not follow the rules due to self conceit and do nishidha karmas.
Taking the example of NGOs, only one out of 10 NGOs will follow all the rules and help the down trodden. All the others just maintain the records and milk money from the Government and from charities. Geeta Pariwar is one of those few organisations that truly and selflessly works for the society. During Covid epidemic, it distributed about 4 lakh food packets without taking any donations. The organisation is run purely by volunteers in all the departments. This tells us about the pure intention of Geeta pariwar to serve the people and spread the Bhagavān's words through Gītā.
ahaṅkāraṃ(m) balaṃ(n) darpaṃ(ṅ), kāmaṃ(ṅ) krodhaṃ(ñ) ca saṃśritāḥ,
māmātmaparadeheṣu, pradviṣanto'bhyasūyakāḥ 16.18
Given over to egotism, brute force, arrogance, lust and anger etc., and calumniating others, they despise Me (the in-dweller), dwelling in their own bodies, as in those of others.
Paramātmā explains how the demoniacal people abuse the supreme Bhagavān. Blinded with ego, arrogance, physical force, lust and anger, they loathe others there by hating the Supreme who resides in all the living beings. They demean others feeling themselves as superior to others. By abusing Bhagavān thus, they are killing their own souls also doing lot of harm to themselves.
- ahaṅkāraṃ balaṃ darpaṃ = Blinded with arrogance, brutal force, and egotism
- kāmaṃ krodhaṃ ca saṃśritāḥ = filled with lust and anger
- māmātmaparadeheṣu = in himself and others.
- pradviṣanto'bhyasūyakāḥ= hate others there by the supreme Paramātmā living in them.
tānahaṃ(n) dviṣataḥ(kh) krūrān, saṃsāreṣu narādhamān,
kṣipāmyajasRāmaśubhān, āsurīṣveva yoniṣu 16.19
Those haters, sinful, cruel and vilest among men, I cast again and again into demoniacal wombs in this world.
Paramātmā says these people are filled with hatred, cruelty and are harmful for the world. So they are cast again and again in the demoniacal wombs by HIM. They will take birth again and again in these demoniacal wombs and will never ever attain liberation unless they change their qualities. There is no respite to them from the distress and unhappiness of this world and are caught up in the web of desires and attachments.
āsurīṃ(y̐) yonimāpannā, mūḍhā janmani janmani,
māmaprāpyaiva kaunteya, tato yāntyadhamāṃ(ṅ) gatim.16.20
Failing to reach Me, Arjuna, those stupid persons are born life after life in demoniac wombs and then verily sink down to a still lower plane.
Bhagavān further addresses these people born in demoniacal wombs as stupid people who are born life after life in the same demoniacal wombs . HE further says these people will never attain liberation and can never reach the Paramātmā. In due course these people will be born in still lower wombs like serpents, birds, fish, trees etc., losing the ability to think and closing their road to spiritual path. It will be very difficult for them to get the human birth because the lower creatures do not have the thought process to uplift themselves and pray to the supreme.
trividhaṃ(n) narakasyedaṃ(n), dvāraṃ(n) nāśanamātmanaḥ,
kāmaḥ(kh) krodhastathā lobhaḥ(s), tasmādetattrayaṃ(n) tyajet 16.21
Desire, anger and greed – these triple gates of hell, bring about the downfall of the soul. Therefore, one must shun all these three.
The three demoniacal qualities Greed, anger and desire are the three gates to the hell. People who possess these qualities destroy themselves and move permanently to Hell. Hence all of us should shun these qualities through practice, prayer and meditation to control them and reduce them to the possible extent. Praying the supreme for strength will help us in this path to liberation.
All the three are interlinked. Kamana if not fulfilled leads to anger; anger leads to greed; greed leads to desire; and the cycle continues. As human beings it is very difficult to completely avoid any negative trait. But we all should be alert and try to watch our thought process and try to reduce the demonical traits. Anger is also justified sometimes, when used as a measure to bring a person on the right path. But it should not lead to violence.
All the three are interlinked. Kamana if not fulfilled leads to anger; anger leads to greed; greed leads to desire; and the cycle continues. As human beings it is very difficult to completely avoid any negative trait. But we all should be alert and try to watch our thought process and try to reduce the demonical traits. Anger is also justified sometimes, when used as a measure to bring a person on the right path. But it should not lead to violence.
etairvimuktaḥ(kh) kaunteya, tamodvāraistribhirnaraḥ,
ācaratyātmanaḥ(ś) śreyaḥ(s), tato yāti parāṃ(ṅ) gatim 16.22
Freed from these three gates of hell, man works for his own salvation and thereby attains the Supreme goal ie. God.
All of us should work to get freed from these gateways to hell for our own salvation. Those who work towards salvation and reduce the demoniacal qualities & increase the divine ones will only be able to reach parāṃgatim i.e. the Supreme Paramātmā. Those people only can attain liberation. For that one need to be divine , follow all the sashtras as given in the vedic scriptures.
yaḥ(ś) śāstravidhimutsṛjya, vartate kāmakārataḥ,
na sa siddhimavāpnoti, na sukhaṃ(n) na parāṃ(ṅ) gatim 16.23
Discarding the injunctions of the scriptures, he who acts in an arbitrary way according to his own sweet will, such a person neither attains occult powers, nor the supreme goal, nor even happiness.
Those people who do not follow the injunctions of the Śāstras and do things as per their own will, will never attain the liberation, happiness nor the Supreme Paramātmā. Hence, all of us should be alert and follow the vedic scriptures like Tatva Bodhini and Sadhaka Sanjeevani which are the authority or pramanas for leading a fruitful life on this earth. The Gist of vedas is upanishads and the gist of upanishads is Gītā. Hence, in order to live a happy life, it is advised to learn and read Gītā and also implement it in our daily life.
tasmācchāstraṃ(m) pramāṇaṃ(n) te, kāryākāryavyavasthitau,
Jñātvā śāstravidhānoktaṃ(ṅ), karma kartumihārhasi 16.24
Therefore, the scripture alone is your guide in determining what should be done and what should not be done. Knowing this, you ought to perform only such action as is ordained by the scriptures.
Therefore, these scriptures have to be followed by the sadhakas to walk on the right spiritual path. When one becomes adapt in following them, the he realizes the importance of them in one’s life. One should follow the Śāstra Vidhana and the Vidhi karmas, and avoid the Nishidha karmas.
Opinions of different people /sadhus/sanyasis etc on a particular problem, will confuse us. So it is better to trust the authenticated proof given by the Bhagavān to try to solve the problems faced in this material world. Bhagavad Gītā is a validated and authenticated proof given by the Bhagavān.
The overall message is that demoniac nature leads to unhappiness, delusion, and a fall from grace. Hence we should cultivate the divine traits to lead a peaceful, happy and purposeful life.
Questions and Answers:
Swarna ji
Q: How can we surrender to God completely, when we have negative feelings like anger in our minds?
A: Sharananandji Maharaj would say that you just need to love one to forget everyone else. For example, a newly wed bride will forget everything else because her heart is focussed only on her husband. Similarly, when we do sattvic activities like naamasmaran, bhajan, japa, etc. our mind gets occupied in it, and we will gradually forget the negativities. We have to make the right choice in every situation/ moment - choose sattvic actions or habits over rajasic/ tamasic actions and habits. The more we indulge in sattvic activities, our mind will automatically move towards having faith in God, and we can surrender to HIM naturally, without any forced effort.
Y K Sharma ji
Q: Shloka 18 mentions balam as a demoniac quality. Hanuman ji was a balashali (strong). Please clarify.
A: Bhagavān is talking about the person who uses his strength for wrong reasons, like to subdue the weaker ones.
Kiran ji
Q: Why is 'bhaya' classified as demoniac character?
A: Bhaya (fearfulness) occurs when someone does something wrong. A person who is on the right path has nothing to fear about. Hence, it is classified here as a demoniac feature.
Ramesh Prasad Mainali ji
Q: Shloka 24 mentions about 'Śāstravidhan'. Where can we find these vidhana that will help us work in accordance to the Śāstras?
A: The scriptures describe the vidhana that we must follow. For example, Gītā itself is one such scripture which gives us the dos and donts of living life.
Sravya Bharani ji
Q: How do we interpret greed and desire in the context of our professional life where we strive to move up the ladder of our career life?
A: Bhagavān does not ask us to renounce our actions/ duties. HE is only asking us to renounce the fruits of our actions. Desire to become successful in our career is not wrong. One must do his duty to the best of his ability, and progress in life. But over desire and greed should be avoided. Additionally, after one reaches a stage in life where he is financially and socially stable, he should start focusing on the betterment of the society in large, and not his personal benefit alone.
Q: How can we surrender to God completely, when we have negative feelings like anger in our minds?
A: Sharananandji Maharaj would say that you just need to love one to forget everyone else. For example, a newly wed bride will forget everything else because her heart is focussed only on her husband. Similarly, when we do sattvic activities like naamasmaran, bhajan, japa, etc. our mind gets occupied in it, and we will gradually forget the negativities. We have to make the right choice in every situation/ moment - choose sattvic actions or habits over rajasic/ tamasic actions and habits. The more we indulge in sattvic activities, our mind will automatically move towards having faith in God, and we can surrender to HIM naturally, without any forced effort.
Y K Sharma ji
Q: Shloka 18 mentions balam as a demoniac quality. Hanuman ji was a balashali (strong). Please clarify.
A: Bhagavān is talking about the person who uses his strength for wrong reasons, like to subdue the weaker ones.
Kiran ji
Q: Why is 'bhaya' classified as demoniac character?
A: Bhaya (fearfulness) occurs when someone does something wrong. A person who is on the right path has nothing to fear about. Hence, it is classified here as a demoniac feature.
Ramesh Prasad Mainali ji
Q: Shloka 24 mentions about 'Śāstravidhan'. Where can we find these vidhana that will help us work in accordance to the Śāstras?
A: The scriptures describe the vidhana that we must follow. For example, Gītā itself is one such scripture which gives us the dos and donts of living life.
Sravya Bharani ji
Q: How do we interpret greed and desire in the context of our professional life where we strive to move up the ladder of our career life?
A: Bhagavān does not ask us to renounce our actions/ duties. HE is only asking us to renounce the fruits of our actions. Desire to become successful in our career is not wrong. One must do his duty to the best of his ability, and progress in life. But over desire and greed should be avoided. Additionally, after one reaches a stage in life where he is financially and socially stable, he should start focusing on the betterment of the society in large, and not his personal benefit alone.
om tatsaditi śrīmadbhagavadgītāsu upaniṣatsu
brahmavidyāyāṃ(y̐) yogaśāstre śrīkṛṣṇārjunasaṃvāde
daivāsurasampadvibhāgayogo nāma ṣoḍaśo'dhyāyaḥ.
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