16.18 - Bhagavad Gita - Chapter 16, Verse 18

Verse 16.18 of the Bhagavad Gita reveals the deepest nature of those with demoniac qualities. In this verse, Lord Krishna describes how such individuals are "blinded by egotism, strength, arrogance, desire, and anger" and how they "abuse Me, who am present in their own body and in the bodies of others."

This verse appears at a critical juncture in Chapter 16, where Lord Krishna transitions from describing the internal thought patterns of the demoniac to exposing how these qualities manifest externally. The demoniac person is fundamentally self-complacent and self-worshiping, making themselves the center of their universe. They are rigid in their perspectives, rejecting any form of correction or guidance that might challenge their inflated self-image.

What makes this verse particularly significant is that Krishna directly brings Himself into the picture. Until now, He has described the demoniac nature in terms of how it affects the individual and their interactions with others. But here, He reveals something far more disturbing – these individuals harbor active hostility toward the Divine Presence that resides within all beings, including themselves. They "become envious of the Supreme Personality of Godhead," rejecting the very source of their consciousness.

Krishna identifies five destructive qualities that serve as the foundation for this spiritual blindness: ahankāra (false ego), bala (physical strength or power), darpa (arrogance), kāma (desire), and krodha (anger). These qualities function as a toxic shelter, a false refuge that these individuals cling to instead of recognizing the divine presence within.

The ego becomes particularly destructive when it manifests as balam or power. Those with excessive pride in their strength tend to "disregard one's duties, rules and norms, lose all sense of right and wrong, due to the strength of egotism." This disregard extends beyond social norms to include contempt for the divine order itself. They essentially declare, "I can do everything without the help of anyone; my power is sufficient."

What makes this verse especially poignant is the paradox it reveals – how can a person hate what resides within their very self? Yet this is precisely what happens when ego completely clouds spiritual vision. The demoniac not only reject guidance from scriptures or wise counsel but actively resist the divine presence within their own hearts. They "evince malice" toward the Supreme Person and "endeavour to invent fallacious arguments against My existence." Their spiritual blindness is not merely ignorance but active resistance to truth.

This verse serves as a profound warning about the ultimate destination of unchecked pride and ego. While the initial stages of ego inflation might seem harmless or even beneficial in a competitive world, Krishna reveals that the end result is spiritual self-destruction – a person at war with the divine essence within themselves and others. True spiritual growth begins with recognizing this divine presence in all beings and relating to it with reverence rather than resistance.