16.13 - Bhagavad Gita - Chapter 16, Verse 13

Bhagavad Gita 16.13 offers a profound glimpse into the mindset of those with demoniac tendencies. The verse states: "This has to-day been gained by me — this desire I shall obtain — this is mine — and this wealth shall also be mine in future." In Sanskrit, the original verse reads "idam adya mayā labdham imaṃ prāpsye manoratham, idam astīdam api me bhaviṣyati punardhanam." This verse begins a three-verse sequence (16.13-15) that reveals the internal narrative of those dominated by ego and material attachment.

At its core, this verse exposes how the materialistic person thinks about wealth and possessions. The key phrase "idam adya mayā labdham" ("This I have gained today") reveals how such individuals attribute all accomplishments solely to themselves. There's a complete absence of gratitude or acknowledgment of forces beyond their control. The ego takes full credit, seeing no role for divine grace, karma, or the contributions of others in their success.

The verse continues with "imaṃ prāpsye manoratham" ("I shall fulfill this cherished desire of mine"), showing how the demoniac mind constantly projects into a future of imagined pleasures and acquisitions. The Sanskrit word "manoratha" literally translates to "mental chariot" — a vivid metaphor for how desires transport the mind away from the present moment into fantasies of future gratification. There's never satisfaction in what one has; the mind is always racing toward the next possession or achievement.

We see this pattern continue with "idam astīdam api me bhaviṣyati punar dhanam" ("this wealth is mine now, and more will be mine tomorrow"). This reveals a fundamental quality of material desire — it doesn't end with fulfillment; it only expands. The demoniac person believes "I am wealthy and I have highly placed relatives. Who else is equal to me?" Such individuals measure their worth through comparison, seeing themselves as superior to others based on temporary possessions and connections.

This verse offers a mirror to modern society, where many live precisely the kind of life described here. The continuous pursuit of more — more wealth, more status, more power — without any sense of contentment or higher purpose reflects the timeless relevance of this teaching. The average person today might recognize their own thought patterns in this ancient description: the planning, scheming, and constant projection into a future of greater acquisition and enjoyment.

What makes this verse particularly powerful is how it captures the voice of ego with such precision. The repeated use of "me" and "mine" throughout reveals a consciousness entirely centered around itself. There is no room for others except as instruments for one's own advancement or enjoyment. This self-centered worldview inevitably leads to isolation, even amidst material abundance. The demoniac person might gain the whole world but lose their soul in the process.

This verse serves as a warning about the dangers of identifying too strongly with our possessions and achievements. When we believe "I am the lord of everything. I am the enjoyer", we set ourselves up for inevitable disappointment, as nothing in the material world remains permanently under our control. Through this verse, the Gita invites us to examine our own thoughts about wealth, success, and ownership — challenging us to recognize when we might be falling into the very patterns of thinking that lead away from true fulfillment and inner peace.