Verse 16.15 : Daivasura Sampad Vibhaga Yoga "Divine & Demonic Natures"
Verse 15 of 24
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The Translation
“'I am wealthy and well-born. Who else is equal to me? I shall perform sacrifices, I shall give charity, I shall rejoice.' Thus they are deluded by ignorance.”
Commentary & Insights
In Vedic society, sacrifices (yajna) and charity (dana) were sacred rituals meant for purification. However, the demoniac corrupt these sacred practices, using them as tools for social climbing and boasting.
Practical Application
1
Do a silent good deed without telling anyone, especially avoiding posting about it on social media.
2
Catch yourself comparing your status or wealth to others; remind yourself that worth is intrinsic, not external.
Reflections & Notes
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Self-Reflection Prompts
- Have you ever seen charity or spiritual practice used as a tool for public relations and status? What makes such actions spiritually empty?
- How can we catch ourselves when we fall into the trap of thinking 'I am superior to others' due to our lineage, wealth, or even spiritual achievements?
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16.15
आढ्योऽभिजनवानस्मि कोऽन्योऽस्ति सदृशो मया
Shankara comments that their charity and sacrifices are not done out of devotion to God or welfare for humanity, but to establish their superiority over others. This displays the depth of their delusion (moha) regarding the true purpose of life.