kāmam āśhritya duṣhpūraṁ dambha-māna-madānvitāḥ
mohād gṛihītvāsad-grāhān pravartante ’śhuchi-vratāḥ
kāmam — lust;
āśhritya — harboring;
duṣhpūram — insatiable;
dambha — hypocrisy;
māna — arrogance;
mada-anvitāḥ — clinging to false tenets;
mohāt — the illusioned;
gṛihītvā — being attracted to;
asat — impermanent;
grāhān — things;
pravartante — they flourish;
aśhuchi-vratāḥ — with impure resolve
This verse talks about a certain type of people referred to as demoniac, which means they have negative or harmful qualities. These people are driven by strong desires that never seem to get satisfied. Imagine someone who is always wanting more—more money, more fame, or more pleasure—but no matter how much they gain, it’s never enough for them. They get wrapped up in chasing after these temporary things, like money or physical pleasures, believing that they will bring them happiness.
However, the truth is that these things are not lasting; they will eventually fade away. This desire for things that don’t last is described as ‘insatiable lust’.
Because of this overwhelming desire, these individuals often engage in actions that are harmful or morally wrong; they might lie, cheat, or behave recklessly. They are described as having a 'pride' and a sense of 'false prestige'—this means they think very highly of themselves based on these temporary gains, even if they are not truly worthy of that admiration. There’s a kind of illusion or misunderstanding that they live in, making them believe that their way of life is acceptable or praiseworthy.
In the text, they are also noted for their 'unclean work', which refers to habits or actions that are considered impure, such as overindulgence in alcohol, casual relationships, gambling, or other actions that society views negatively. These habits show their lack of purity and higher purpose.
Another point the verse makes is that these people create their own version of what is right or wrong, or even make up their own idea of God. This is akin to creating a set of beliefs that support their lifestyle instead of following something that is actually meaningful or true. Instead of pursuing genuine spiritual values, they may mix up spirituality with their selfish desires, often using the name of religion to justify their actions.
Interestingly, even though such people often act in ways that are considered despicable or wrong, society may sometimes still give them a false sense of honor or respect. They might be seen as successful by others, simply because they have wealth or status, even as they are heading toward a path that could lead them to suffering. They remain unaware of the negative consequences of their actions, believing themselves to be on the right path.
In summary, this verse serves as a warning to be cautious of the desires that drive individuals into harmful actions and to recognize the importance of true values over superficial gains.