अहङ्कारं बलं दर्पं कामं क्रोधं च संश्रिताः।मामात्मपरदेहेषु प्रद्विषन्तोऽभ्यसूयकाः
The verse describes egotism, brute force, arrogance, lust, and anger as qualities that lead people to hate the divine presence within themselves and others. These negative traits cloud their vision and fill them with malice.
Status, accumulation, and certainty can hide the effects of our behavior. Ask who bears the cost of a goal, and invite feedback from someone who is able to disagree safely.
Go deeper into this verse
How does arrogance ('darpam') affect a person's relationship with the inner controller described in the verse?
Arrogance makes a person self-absorbed and blinds them to the unity of all beings. When someone is full of pride, they cannot recognize the divine presence within themselves or others, causing separation and hostility towards that inner controller.
What does it mean to 'culminate others' and why is it mentioned alongside egotism and anger in this teaching on Given?
To 'culminate others' refers to constantly finding faults and criticizing those around us. When combined with egotism and anger, this behavior demonstrates a lack of humility and compassion, distancing one further from recognizing the divinity in all beings.
In Chapter 16, Verse 18, what is implied by the phrase 'dwelling in their own bodies as well as in those of others' in the context of this teaching?
This phrase reminds us that the divine presence exists equally within ourselves and all others. Failing to honor this truth leads to disrespect, not only towards others but towards our own true self, causing inner conflict and alienation from the sacred.
Why do people filled with lust and anger develop hatred towards the divine within, according to the verse?
When consumed by lust and anger, people become attached to their desires and resent anything that challenges their sense of control or superiority. This resentment extends to the divine within, as it represents truth and unity, which their egos resist. To move beyond this hatred, one must cultivate humility, self-awareness, and a willingness to see the divine in all.
Given over to egoism, power, insolence, lust and wrath, these malicious ones hate Me in the bodies of others and in their own.