Video Talks on the Bhagavad Gita

by Swami Nirmalananda Giri

*Learn to Lead a Successful Spiritual Life*

Talk-76–Traits of the Demonic Mind

The seventy-sixth in a series of talks by Swami Nirmalananda Giri (Abbot George Burke) on the Bhagavad Gita, India’s most famous scripture: the unforgettable dialog between Sri Krishna and Arjuna about the essence of spiritual life.

In this talk, continuing with Chapter 16:12, Swamiji discusses the negative qualities such as greed, violence, vanity, desires, which lead to delusion.

For those wishing to make a deeper study of the Gita, Swamiji’s commentary on the Gita, The Bhagavad Gita for Awakening: A Practical Commentary for Leading a Successful Spiritual Life can be found at Amazon.com.

Here are the Gita verses (16:12–16:17) covered in this talk:

Bound by a hundred ties of hope,
Given over to lust and wrath,
They strive to gain by unjust means
Wealth for sensual enjoyment. (12)

“This today has been gained by me;
And this desire I shall obtain;
All this is mine, and now this wealth
Also shall be mine in future. (13)

“I slew that enemy, and more
I shall slay. For I am the Lord,
I enjoy, I am successful,
Perfect, powerful, and happy. (14)

 

“I am rich and well-born,” they say,
“Who else is equal unto me?
I will sacrifice, give, rejoice.”
Thus deluded by ignorance, (15)

Led astray by many fancies,
Covered by delusion’s meshes,
Addicted to gratifying
Lust, they fall into a foul hell. (16)

Self-conceited, stubborn, filled with
The pride and foolishness of wealth,
They sacrifice in name, for show,
Contrary to the prescribed forms. (17)

Here is a summary of the Gita Talk: Traits of the Demonic Mind

A detailed examination of the psychological and behavioral traits of the demonic (asuric) individual, contrasted with divine qualities.

🔍 Key Points:

  • Obsessed with gain and accumulation
    • They say: “This has been acquired by me; this I shall also obtain.”
    • Their entire identity is rooted in what they own and hope to acquire next.
  • Exploitive and ruthless toward others
    • Seek to dominate, manipulate, or destroy others to achieve personal aims.
    • Even in nonviolent societies, they “slay” through economic or social means.
  • Arrogant self-conception
    • “I am the Lord, I am successful, I am happy, I am powerful.”
    • Equate worth with wealth and position; feel superior to others.
  • Misuse of religion and spirituality
    • Claim to sacrifice and give, but only for recognition or return.
    • Spiritual activity is hollow—done without prescribed forms or sincere intent.
  • Deluded by fantasies and ego dreams
    • Live in imagined futures of wealth, prestige, or conquest.
    • Caught in nets of delusion and driven by boundless craving.
  • Addiction to desire and control
    • True satisfaction never arrives; addiction itself is what they love.
    • Their enjoyment comes not from the object, but from possessing it.
  • Trapped by wealth and social status
    • Swami shares vivid anecdotes (e.g., the wealthy woman unable to give away a sweater) to show how wealth can enslave.
    • Wealth is treated as life itself, not a tool.
  • Stubborn, self-justifying, and resistant to guidance
    • Will not admit fault or accept advice.
    • Even when shown the way, cling to ignorance as “self-respect.”
  • Perform sacrifice only for show
    • Acts of giving are investments, not offerings.
    • Karma becomes negative when charity is performed without inner alignment.
  • Fall is always possible
    • Even a sincere seeker can fall if vigilance is lost.
    • Swami recalls the story of Da Vinci’s model for Jesus who later became the model for Judas.

⚠️ Spiritual Warning:

  • “Don’t say ‘I could never fall.’”
  • The path to spiritual downfall begins with small compromises.
  • Swami urges listeners to avoid even the shadow of asuric tendencies.

✨ Closing Reflection:

  • Like a bus driver on an icy bridge full of children, we must walk this life with extreme awareness.
  • The world is dangerous; the spiritual path requires firm, humble vigilance.
  • Live in the light—not in platitudes, but in awakened discernment.

Below is an audio version of this talk from our Gita Talks Podcast

Author: Swami Nirmalananda Giri

Swami Nirmalananda Giri (Abbot George Burke)

Swami Nirmalananda Giri, founder of Light of the Spirit Monastery, has spent over six decades immersed in the study and practice of Yoga and and the spiritual traditions of East and West. He is the author of more than 30 books on meditation, practical spiritual life and Sanatana Dharma. Learn more »