dambho darpo ’bhimānaśh cha krodhaḥ pāruṣhyam eva cha
ajñānaṁ chābhijātasya pārtha sampadam āsurīm
dambhaḥ — hypocrisy;
darpaḥ — arrogance;
abhimānaḥ — conceit;
cha — and;
krodhaḥ — anger;
pāruṣhyam — harshness;
eva — certainly;
cha — and;
ajñānam — ignorance;
cha — and;
abhijātasya — of those who possess;
pārtha — Arjun, the son of Pritha;
sampadam — qualities;
āsurīm — demoniac
In this verse, we learn about certain negative traits that are often found in people with a demonic nature. People who have these qualities are not truly following the right path in life, even though they might pretend to be religious or knowledgeable about spiritual matters. Let's break down what these qualities mean in everyday terms:
1. **Arrogance and Pride**: These people tend to think very highly of themselves. They might be proud of their education, money, or status. Instead of being humble, they show off and want others to look up to them. For example, if someone has a good job, rather than just being grateful, they may act as if they are better than everyone else because of it.
2. **Anger**: They often get angry over small things. When something doesn’t go their way or when they feel challenged, they react with anger instead of understanding or patience. Imagine someone who shouts at a waiter for getting their order wrong—this is a form of uncontrolled anger.
3. **Conceit**: This is similar to arrogance but more about thinking they are special or better. They may believe they deserve more respect from others, even if they haven’t earned it. For instance, they might think they should be treated like a VIP just because they have some wealth or recognition.
4. **Harshness**: Instead of speaking kindly, they tend to be rude or rough in their speech. This means they do not choose their words carefully and can hurt others with what they say. It’s like when someone gives a blunt assessment or criticism that doesn’t consider others’ feelings.
5. **Ignorance**: This doesn’t just mean not knowing things; it’s about a lack of understanding regarding what is right or wrong. They may ignore common sense or wise advice, believing they know better or can do whatever they want. For example, they might think that being dishonest is okay if it benefits them, ignoring the moral implications.
The verse also emphasizes that these negative qualities are not just random; they are deeply rooted in a person's character. They can develop from the very beginning of life, even while a person is still in their mother's womb. As they grow up, these traits become more pronounced, showing that a person's nature can be shaped from a young age.
In summary, this verse serves as a warning about behaviors that lead one away from a positive life. Those who exhibit arrogance, anger, and harshness, while ignoring spiritual principles, are described as having a demonic nature. This is a reminder to strive for humility, patience, and kindness in order to cultivate a better character.