
16
CHAPTER
VERSE
14
असौ मया हत: शत्रुर्हनिष्ये चापरानपि |
ईश्वरोऽहमहं भोगी सिद्धोऽहं बलवान्सुखी || 16.14 ||
Asau mayā hataḥ śatrurhaniṣye cāparānapi |
Īśvaro'hamahaṁ bhogī siddho'haṁ balavān sukhi ||
I have slain this enemy, and I shall slay all the others too. I am the lord, the enjoyer, successful, and happy.
Lesson:
Krishna provides insights into the mindset of those dominated by the demoniac qualities (asuric gunas). Krishna describes the arrogant and deluded attitude of such individuals, who boastfully proclaim their superiority, power, and success, believing themselves to be the ultimate controllers and enjoyers of life. He uses the metaphor of a warrior triumphing over an enemy to illustrate the inflated ego and false sense of accomplishment characteristic of those under the influence of the demoniac nature. The individual described in this verse arrogantly declares, "I have slain this enemy, and I shall slay all the others too," demonstrating a sense of invincibility and dominance over perceived adversaries.
Moreover, Krishna portrays the deluded individual's self-image as one who identifies with worldly possessions, achievements, and pleasures. Such a person considers themselves to be the lord (īśvara), believing they are in control of their destiny and the lives of others. They perceive themselves as the sole enjoyer (bhogī) of sensual gratification, seeking pleasure and peace solely through material pursuits.
Additionally, Krishna describes the deluded individual as considering themselves to be successful (siddha) and happy (sukhī), based on external markers of wealth, power, and status. However, their happiness is transient and superficial, rooted in the fleeting pleasures of the material world, devoid of lasting fulfilment and spiritual contentment.
Through this verse, Krishna highlights the pitfalls of egoism, materialism, and false pride. He warns against the illusion of control and the pursuit of happiness through external means. The individual trapped in the cycle of ego and desire remains bound by ignorance and suffers from the consequences of their actions, unable to attain true peace and liberation.
Krishna's teachings in this verse serve as a cautionary reminder to transcend the lower nature characterized by egoism and attachment. He emphasizes the importance of cultivating humility, self-awareness, and spiritual wisdom to overcome the illusion of separateness and attain lasting happiness and satisfaction.
In essence, this verse offers profound insights into the nature of the human ego and the delusion of materialistic pursuits. It encourages seekers to transcend the ego-driven mentality and recognize the interconnectedness of all beings in the divine play of creation. By surrendering the ego to the higher self and cultivating a sense of service and compassion, one can attain true satisfaction and spiritual realization.