Gita 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.

Topic: 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

• Swamiji 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.
• Swamiji 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.