Illustration for Bhagavad Gita chapter 16 verse 18
Chapter 16 · Daivasura Sampad Vibhaga Yoga

Disrespect Runs Deep · Softening How We Treat Others

अहङ्कारं बलं दर्पं कामं क्रोधं च संश्रिताः । मामात्मपरदेहेषु प्रद्विषन्तोऽभ्यसूयकाः ॥

ahaṅkāraṁ balaṁ darpaṁ kāmaṁ krodhaṁ ca saṁśritāḥ mām ātma-para-deheṣu pradviṣanto 'bhyasūyakāḥ

Meaning

"Given over to egoism, power, arrogance, desire, and anger, these envious ones despise Me dwelling in their own body and in others' bodies."

Explanation

Disrespecting someone else, this verse suggests, is quietly also a way of disrespecting the sacred presence within them — a reason to soften how we treat people we're frustrated with.

Today's Life Lesson

When you're frustrated with someone today, remember there's something sacred in them too — let that soften your response.

More verses to reflect on