Gita 16.13 -15
इदमद्य मया लब्धमिमं प्राप्स्ये मनोरथम् |
इदमस्तीदमपि मे भविष्यति पुनर्धनम् || 13||
असौ मया हत: शत्रुर्हनिष्ये चापरानपि |
ईश्वरोऽहमहं भोगी सिद्धोऽहं बलवान्सुखी || 14||
आढ्योऽभिजनवानस्मि कोऽन्योऽस्ति सदृशो मया |
यक्ष्ये दास्यामि मोदिष्य इत्यज्ञानविमोहिता: || 15||
idam adya mayā labdham imaṁ prāpsye manoratham
idam astīdam api me bhaviṣhyati punar dhanam
asau mayā hataḥ śhatrur haniṣhye chāparān api
īśhvaro ’ham ahaṁ bhogī siddho ’haṁ balavān sukhī
āḍhyo ’bhijanavān asmi ko ’nyo ’sti sadṛiśho mayā
yakṣhye dāsyāmi modiṣhya ity ajñāna-vimohitāḥ
Some people, driven by ego and desire, believe they have the right to pursue whatever pleases them—even at the cost of others. They may use religion, status, or power to justify their ambitions, yet their mindset remains narrow and self-centred. Ancient wisdom describes four kinds of people: those who sacrifice for others, those who help when it doesn’t harm them, those who harm others for personal gain, and those who harm without reason.
At the root of this behaviour lies the ego—the false sense of “I” built on possessions, status, and identity. It creates constant dissatisfaction and a distorted view of reality, keeping us restless and unfulfilled. True spiritual growth begins by recognising and letting go of this ego.
Great teachings across traditions emphasise humility. Just as water flows to the lowest point, those who are humble receive the most grace, while the proud remain empty.
Gita 16.16
अनेकचित्तविभ्रान्ता मोहजालसमावृता: |
प्रसक्ता: कामभोगेषु पतन्ति नरकेऽशुचौ || 16||
aneka-chitta-vibhrāntā moha-jāla-samāvṛitāḥ
prasaktāḥ kāma-bhogeṣhu patanti narake ’śhuchau
When governed by the ego, people begin to identify completely with their mind, becoming trapped in repetitive and negative thought patterns. The mind keeps spinning stories—complaints about situations, resentment toward others, and feelings of unfairness. Over time, these complaints deepen into resentment, and prolonged resentment turns into lasting grievances, where past hurts are replayed again and again. In this state, individuals live in a distorted reality shaped by their own thoughts, clouding their judgment and limiting their growth.
Such ego-driven thinking leads to confusion and poor choices, ultimately affecting one’s destiny. While we are free to choose our actions, we are not free from their consequences. The law of karma ensures that every action brings its corresponding result—good or bad.
Scriptures remind us that our inner qualities shape our future. A pure and balanced mindset uplifts us, restless desires keep us bound, and negative, harmful tendencies lead us downward. Therefore, mastering the mind and rising above the ego is essential for a higher and more meaningful life.
Gita 16.17
आत्मसम्भाविता: स्तब्धा धनमानमदान्विता: |
यजन्ते नामयज्ञैस्ते दम्भेनाविधिपूर्वकम् || 17||
ātma-sambhāvitāḥ stabdhā dhana-māna-madānvitāḥ
yajante nāma-yajñais te dambhenāvidhi-pūrvakam
Virtuous people perform sacrifices with sincerity—to purify themselves and to please God. In contrast, those with impure intentions may also engage in rituals, but only for show, recognition, and self-promotion. Such actions, lacking true devotion and disregardful of scriptural guidance, become mere displays of ego.
Scriptural wisdom teaches that the merit of good deeds diminishes when they are advertised and grows when done quietly. Hence, rituals performed for pride and display hold little spiritual value, as true worth lies in humility and genuine intent.
Summary: JKYog India Online Class- Bhagavad Gita [English]- 31.1.2026
