Bhagavad Gita Chapter 16, Verse 18

English Translation

Resorting to egotism, power, arrogance, passion and anger, hating Me in their own and others' bodies, (they become) [As the finite verb is missing in the verse, we have supplied 'they become'. S. adds the verb prabhavanti, wax strong, from verse 9, and constructs the last portion thus: '৷৷.the envious ones wax strond.' Following S. S., however, one may combine this verse with the preceding verse by taking 'perform sacrifices' as the finite verb.-Tr.'] envious by nature.

Detailed Commentary

Explanation – People of demoniac nature, relying on *ahamkara* (ego), *bala* (power), *darpa* (arrogance), *kama* (desire), and *krodha* (anger), operate by embracing these. Just as devotees take refuge in Bhagavan, these people rely on *ahamkara*, obstinacy, and *kama*. The conviction is deeply rooted in their minds that nothing can be achieved without ego and anger. They believe that in this world, success is achieved only through these means, otherwise people suffer. Those who do not rely on these are crushed. Who will respect a simple person? Therefore, only with *ahamkara* will one gain honor and recognition among people, thus maintaining dominance. **Mamaatma-paradeheṣu pradhviṣantah** (Hating Me who dwells in their own bodies and in the bodies of others) – Bhagavan says that these demoniac people bear enmity towards Me, who resides in My own form and in the bodies of others. What does it mean to bear enmity towards Bhagavan? *Shruti* and *Smriti* are My commands. One who disregards these and acts willfully, transgresses My commands, bears hatred towards Me, and certainly falls into *Naraka*. They also oppose the *Paramatma* residing within their own inner consciousness (*antahkarana*) and neglect the good feelings that arise in their hearts. They insult other people and cause them suffering. All this constitutes bearing enmity towards Bhagavan. **Abhyasūyakāh** (Envious slanderers) – They find fault in My virtues and in the virtues of others. Regarding Me, they say that Bhagavan is partial, protecting devotees while destroying others. Regarding saints, they also assert that they possess *raga* (attachment) and *dvesha* (aversion). They claim, "We too have practiced *samyama* (self-restraint) and *bhajan* (devotional practice), but we have achieved nothing." They further opine, "Their time is wasted, and they too are caught in *bhrama* (delusion)." Only when they eventually realize, will they comprehend the true state of affairs.