
16
CHAPTER
VERSE
17
आत्मसम्भाविता: स्तब्धा धनमानमदान्विता: |
यजन्ते नामयज्ञैस्ते दम्भेनाविधिपूर्वकम् || 16.17 ||
Ātmasambhāvitāḥ stabdhā dhanamānamadānvitāḥ |
Yajante nāmayajñais te dambhenāvidhipūrvakam ||
Self-conceited, stubborn, filled with pride and arrogance, they perform ostentatious sacrifices, disregarding any scriptural injunctions.
Lesson:
Krishna describes them as self-conceited and stubborn, filled with arrogance and pride. Despite their inflated sense of self-importance, they engage in ostentatious rituals and sacrifices, devoid of true spiritual understanding and sincerity. His description of the demonic nature highlights the pitfalls of egoism and pride. Such individuals are blinded by their own self-importance, refusing to acknowledge their limitations and imperfections. Their stubbornness and arrogance hinder their spiritual growth, leading them astray from the path of righteousness.
The verse emphasizes the superficiality of their religious practices. Although they perform elaborate sacrifices and rituals, their actions lack sincerity and devotion. Instead of following scriptural injunctions and guidelines, they indulge in pomp and show, driven by vanity and the desire for social recognition.
Krishna condemns the hypocrisy of their religious observances. Despite outwardly appearing pious and devout, their actions are tainted by deceit. By disregarding the true spirit of sacrifice and devotion, they fail to attain genuine spiritual merit and inner transformation.
Furthermore, Krishna warns against the dangers of ego-driven worship. When religious practices are performed with the sole intention of seeking personal gain or validation, they lose their efficacy and significance. True worship entails humility, reverence, and surrender to the divine, qualities that are conspicuously absent in the behaviour of those driven by demonic tendencies.
The verse serves as a cautionary reminder for seekers on the spiritual path. It underscores the importance of cultivating humility, sincerity, and authenticity in one's spiritual practice. True worship is not about external displays of religiosity but about inner purity and devotion towards the divine.
In essence, this verse from the Bhagavad Gita highlights the contrast between genuine devotion and ego-driven religious observance. It encourages seekers to transcend the trappings of pride and arrogance, embracing humility and sincerity in their quest for spiritual enlightenment. By aligning their actions with the principles of dharma and righteousness, they can overcome the allure of egoism and cultivate a deeper connection with the divine.