145 - Blind Pursuit of Desires | Swami Tattwamayananda

The 16th chapter is an analytic study on the basic elements of human personality. Its purpose is to help people understand fundamental values that have enriched human civilization. It reminds us that we should not forget those values in our pursuit of wealth, power and comfort.<br /><br />11th verse: “There is continuous thought in the mind – no control, no restraint – with a desire to acquire something. Gratification of objects of enjoyment is the dominant theme of such people’s existence.”<br /><br />Mind always wants to possess something, not necessarily because we need it. Desires are not always linked to need.<br /><br />12th verse: “Driven by aspirations and desires, they go on to secure those objects of enjoyment by whatever means.”<br /><br />13th verse: “Today, I have got so much wealth and prestige. That is not enough. I have many other desires. I must continue my effort to go after these desires. These objects of enjoyment are mine and will remain mine in the future.”<br /><br />The 13th verse is interpreted in light of the 4th verse, which list six undesirable characteristics of those endowed with Asuri Sampat: Hypocrisy, arrogance, self-conceit, anger, rudeness, and ignorance.<br /><br />The 14th verse should be understood in the context of when Gita was written when warfare was common. It says: “I have killed this enemy. I am the master. I am going to enjoy. I am successful, powerful and happy.”<br /><br />While the 14th verse is written from the perspective of warfare, it applies to modern times where people compete with each other from the standpoint of the companies they work for.<br /><br />15th verse: “I am coming from a high position. There is no one as great as me. I shall perform big rituals. I shall enjoy and I shall acquire great things.”<br /><br />Shankaracharya, in his commentary on the 15th verse, says that such people are in self-delusion. They find out they are deluded when they get a blow from nature such as losing their job or money. The continuous thought current of acquiring mate