
16
CHAPTER
VERSE
12
आशापाशशतैर्बद्धा: कामक्रोधपरायणा: |
ईहन्ते कामभोगार्थमन्यायेनार्थसञ्जयान् || 16.12 ||
Āśāpāśaśatairbaddhāḥ kāmakrodhaparāyaṇāḥ |
Īhante kāmabhogārthamanyāyenārthasañjayān ||
Bound by hundreds of ties of desire, dedicated to the pursuit of sensual pleasures, they fall into unclean actions, driven by their craving for enjoyment and wealth.
Lesson:
This verse describes the characteristics of those who are deeply entrenched in worldly desires and pleasures. He explains that such individuals are bound by countless desires, like knots in a rope (āśāpāśaśatairbaddhāḥ), and are devoted to the pursuit of sensory gratification, particularly driven by lust and anger (kāmakrodhaparāyaṇāḥ).
Krishna uses the metaphor of being bound by hundreds of ties of desire to illustrate the entanglement of the mind in various worldly cravings and attachments. Just as a person ensnared in countless ropes struggles to move freely, those consumed by desires find themselves trapped in a cycle of endless craving and dissatisfaction.
Furthermore, Krishna emphasizes that individuals driven by their craving for enjoyment and wealth (kāmabhogārtham) often engage in unrighteous and unethical actions (anyāyenārthasañjayān). Their pursuit of sensual pleasures blinds them to the principles of righteousness (dharma) and leads them to indulge in immoral behaviour to satisfy their desires.
This verse serves as a cautionary reminder of the consequences of excessive attachment to worldly pleasures and desires. It highlights the pitfalls of prioritizing sensory gratification over spiritual growth and ethical conduct. Those who are solely focused on satisfying their own desires often disregard the well-being of others and resort to unethical means to fulfil their cravings.
Krishna's teachings in this verse urge seekers to cultivate detachment (vairāgya) and discrimination (viveka) in their pursuit of happiness and fulfilment. By recognizing the transient nature of worldly pleasures and the importance of righteous conduct, one can free themselves from the bondage of desire and attain true inner peace and contentment.
In essence, this verse underscores the importance of leading a balanced and virtuous life, guided by principles of righteousness and moral conduct. It warns against the perils of excessive attachment to sensory pleasures and emphasizes the need for self-discipline and self-control in navigating the complexities of worldly existence. Through mindfulness and spiritual awareness, one can transcend the limitations of desire and attain lasting happiness and peace in life.