TLDR;
Hare Krishna! This discourse on Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 16, Verse 4, focuses on the demonic qualities. Krishna lists pride, arrogance, harsh speech, and ignorance as key traits. It emphasizes self-introspection to identify these qualities within oneself and to strive to imbibe divine qualities instead. The path to rectifying these demonic traits involves prayer, chanting the Hare Krishna mantra, and following Vedic scriptures under spiritual guidance. The ultimate aim is to purify the heart, remove contamination, and develop divine qualities through devotion and association with devotees.
- Krishna describes demonic qualities like pride, arrogance, and ignorance.
- Self-introspection is crucial to identify and rectify these qualities within oneself.
- Devotion, chanting, and following scriptures are key to removing demonic traits.
- Association with devotees and rendering service in the temple helps in purification.
Demonic Qualities Described [0:42]
Krishna lists prominent demonic qualities, starting with pride (dambha), arrogance, harsh speech, and ignorance. These qualities are the opposite of the divine qualities mentioned in previous verses. Those born with these qualities are considered of demonic nature. It's important to self-introspect and contemplate which of these qualities one possesses, as both divine and demonic qualities exist within the same person in this age of Kali. The goal is to endeavor to imbibe divine qualities and rectify any demonic tendencies through prayer to Krishna.
The Royal Road to Hell [3:18]
The purport describes demonic qualities as "the royal road to hell." Those who exclusively possess these qualities are paving their path towards hell (naraka). The first quality discussed is dambha, where individuals make a show of religion and spiritual advancement without actually following the principles. Such people are like donkeys, appearing religious but not adhering to any rules.
Arrogance and False Sense of Respect [5:04]
Arrogance arises from possessing wealth, education, or high birth. Kunti Maharani says that those with high birth, wealth, education, and beauty are often unqualified for bhakti because they become proud and look down on others. Abhimana, the desire to be worshipped and demanding respect without commanding it, is another demonic quality. People with divine qualities are humble, like a tree laden with fruit that bends, while demonic individuals are like fruitless trees standing straight, demanding respect they don't deserve.
Anger, Harsh Speech, and Ignorance [7:44]
Demonic people become angry over trifles and speak harshly. In this age of Kali, there is little tolerance, leading to big fights over small issues. One should speak gently to avoid agitating others, but those with demonic qualities intentionally agitate people. Agyana, or ignorance, means not knowing what should and shouldn't be done, acting whimsically according to one's desires, and not recognizing any authority.
The Uncontrolled Mind [8:51]
Demonic qualities manifest when a person doesn't follow Vedic scriptures or a spiritual authority. Without reading scriptures like Bhagavad-Gita and Srimad-Bhagavatam, one lacks discrimination between right and wrong, whimsically following the mind's dictates. Demons are controlled by their minds and reject authority, a disastrous quality. An uncontrolled mind is the greatest enemy, while a controlled mind is the best friend.
Manifestation of Demonic Qualities [10:30]
Demonic qualities are often taken on from the beginning of life, influenced by past life impressions (samskaras) and the mother's activities during pregnancy. These qualities gradually manifest as the child grows. As devotees, we should aspire to remove these qualities through prayer, chanting the Hare Krishna maha-mantra, which cleanses the heart and removes contamination.
Purification Through Devotion [12:00]
Artificially suppressing demonic qualities is insufficient; instead, intense bhakti is needed to invite Krishna into the heart. Chanting 16 rounds of the Hare Krishna maha-mantra, reading Bhagavad Gita, associating with devotees possessing divine qualities, eating prasada (food offered to Krishna), and rendering service in the temple are essential. By doing these things, Krishna will purify the heart, bestow divine qualities, and take us back home, back to Godhead.
Arjuna's Dilemma [13:46]
Arjuna might be wondering if engaging in war and killing others means he possesses demonic qualities. Krishna will address this concern in the next verse to assure Arjuna that he is not a demon.