The ego that revels in self-congratulation rebels against self-examination

The Bhagavad-gītā Connection | 16.4 Bhagavad-gītā 16.4 describes ungodly qualities such as pretentiousness, arrogance, and conceit (dambho darpo ’bhimānaś ca), which make us delight in showing off and seeking honor, even when undeserved. When we are busy congratulating ourselves on how great and glorious we are, we have neither the time nor the inclination for self-examination. If someone holds up a mirror to reveal our shortcomings, we may not only refuse to look into it but even try to break the mirror or attack the person holding it. Such reactions reflect the anger and harshness (krodhaḥ pāruṣyam eva ca) also mentioned in this verse. Self-realization requires understanding both who we are presently and who we are eternally, so that we can progress from our conditioned identity toward our spiritual identity. Even at a practical level, we cannot improve if our ego convinces us that we have nothing to improve—that the only thing needing improvement is others’ appreciation and applause for us. Such an ego-driven worldview locks us where we are, obstructing both personal growth and spiritual progress. In contrast, Bhagavad-gītā 16.1–3 describes godly qualities that foster growth in this world and liberation beyond it. *** 16.04 Pride, arrogance, conceit, anger, harshness and ignorance – these qualities belong to those of demoniac nature, O son of Pṛthā. The post The ego that revels in self-congratulation rebels against self-examination first appeared on Chaitanya Charan Das, Bhagavad Gita ISKCON .