Bhagavad Gita Chapter 16, Verse 15

English Translation

'I am rich and high-born; who else is there similar to me? I shall perform sacrifices; I shall give, I shall rejoice,'-thus they are diversely deluded by non-discrimination.

Detailed Commentary

16.15. Explanation -- Persons of *Asuri* (demonic) nature are filled with arrogance and harbor such thoughts -- "We are wealthy; look at the immense riches we possess – gold, silver, houses, fields, land. We have many influential people and high-ranking officials supporting us. Through the power of wealth and people, through bribery and recommendations, we can achieve anything we desire. There is no one else like us. You may have seen many people, but you haven't seen anyone like us. We will perform such *Yagnas* (sacrifices) and make such *Daans* (donations) that we will surpass everyone. What good comes from a small *Yagna*, a small *Daan*, or feeding a few *Brahmins*? We will perform *Yagnas* and *Daans* such as no one has ever done before. What will people know from ordinary *Yagnas* and *Daans* that we performed a sacrifice or made a donation? Our grand *Yagnas* and *Daans* will get our names published in newspapers. If we build a structure in a *Dharmashala* (rest house/charitable lodge), our name will be inscribed upon it, so that our memory endures. We are important people; everything is readily available to us, so we shall revel in enjoyment." *Asuri* individuals, gripped by arrogance, continuously entertain such thoughts, yet in reality, they do not truly act upon them (with sincere intent). Even if they do something, it is merely for name's sake (as mentioned in the subsequent verse). The reason for this is that they are deluded by *Agyan* (ignorance); that is, their thinking is shaped by foolishness. Connection -- Those possessing *Asuri Sampada* (demonic qualities), who are averse to the Supreme Being (*Paramatma*), endure restlessness, jealousy, suffering, and the like throughout their lives, but what becomes of them after death is described in the next verse.