
16
CHAPTER
VERSE
10
काममाश्रित्य दुष्पूरं दम्भमानमदान्विता: |
मोहाद्गृहीत्वासद्ग्राहान्प्रवर्तन्तेऽशुचिव्रता: || 16.10 ||
Kāmamāśritya duṣpūraṁ dambhamānamadānvitāḥ |
Mohād gṛhītvāsadgrāhān pravartante'śucivrataḥ ||
Taking shelter of insatiable lust and false pride, accompanied by hypocrisy, pride, and arrogance, the deluded souls, bewildered by illusion, engage in impure works.
Lesson:
This speaks about the characteristics of those who are deeply immersed in materialistic pursuits and devoid of spiritual virtues. He identifies several negative traits that manifest in such individuals, including insatiable lust (kama), false pride (dambha), hypocrisy (mada), pride (mada), and arrogance (mada). These qualities lead them to engage in impure and sinful actions, driven by delusion and ignorance.
Krishna begins by highlighting the root cause of the unvirtuous behaviour—taking shelter in insatiable lust (kama). Lust, or excessive desire for sensory pleasures and material possessions, becomes the driving force behind their actions, leading to dissatisfaction and discontentment.
Additionally, Krishna mentions false pride (dambha), wherein individuals display a facade of superiority or accomplishment, masking their true insecurities and shortcomings. This pretentious behaviour stems from a distorted self-image and a desire for social validation.
Furthermore, Krishna condemns hypocrisy (mada), pride (mada), and arrogance (mada) as detrimental qualities that cloud one's judgment and lead to moral degradation. Hypocrisy involves pretending to possess virtues or beliefs that one does not genuinely hold, while pride and arrogance foster a sense of superiority and disdain towards others.
The verse emphasizes the detrimental effects of delusion (moha), which blinds individuals to the consequences of their actions and distorts their perception of reality. Deluded by the illusory nature of the material world, they become entangled in impure works, devoid of righteousness and moral integrity.
Krishna's teachings in this verse serve as a cautionary reminder against the pitfalls of materialism and egoism. He warns that indulging in insatiable desires and negative qualities leads to spiritual downfall and moral decay. Instead, he encourages seekers to cultivate virtuous qualities such as humility, sincerity, and selflessness, which are essential for spiritual growth and liberation.
In essence, this verse from the Bhagavad Gita underscores the importance of discernment and self-awareness in navigating life's choices. By recognizing the detrimental effects of lust, false pride, and other negative qualities, one can strive to overcome them and lead a life guided by higher principles and spiritual values. Through introspection and righteous action, individuals can free themselves from the bondage of materialism and attain lasting peace and satisfaction.