Illustration for Bhagavad Gita chapter 16 verse 4
Chapter 16 · Daivasura Sampad Vibhaga Yoga

Recognizing the Shadow · Naming Before It Roots

दम्भो दर्पोऽभिमानश्च क्रोधः पारुष्यमेव च । अज्ञानं चाभिजातस्य पार्थ सम्पदमासुरीम् ॥

dambho darpo 'bhimānaś ca krodhaḥ pāruṣyam eva ca ajñānaṁ cābhijātasya pārtha sampadam āsurīm

Meaning

"Hypocrisy, arrogance, conceit, anger, harshness, and ignorance — these belong to one born with a demoniac nature, O Partha."

Explanation

This list isn't given to shame anyone but to help us recognize these tendencies when they show up in our own behavior, before they take root more deeply. Naming a pattern honestly is often the first step toward softening it.

Today's Life Lesson

If you notice arrogance or harshness rising in you today, gently name it — honest recognition is the first step to softening it.

More verses to reflect on