CH 2, Verse 63

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Chapter 2

Verse 63

 

Krodhaad bhavati saMmohaH saMmohaat

smRiti-vibhramaH /

smRiti-bhra.nshaad buddhi-naasho buddhi-naashaat praNashyati//

 

>From anger arises delusion, and from delusion failure of memory, from failure of

memory comes the destruction of discrimination and from the destruction of

discrimination he perishes.

 

LESSONS FROM BHAGAVAD GITA – 10

As taught by Parama Pujya Sri Swamiji

Compiled by: Swami Dattananda

Bhakti Mala, January 1993

 

"By musing on the objects, attachment to them is formed in man. Attachment

generates desire and from desire anger grows” (Chapter 2, Verse 62). “From anger

arises delusion, and from delusion failure of memory, from failure of memory

comes the destruction of discrimination and from the destruction of

discrimination he perishes" (Chapter 2, Verse 63). These two verses give a

beautiful picture of a man's gradual process of self-destruction. Contemplation

on any sense object is the first step in the downfall of a man. The mind of a

man prompted by past samskaras (tendencies) settles on a particular object and

goes on thinking about it. Thus by going on musing on the sensual object, he

establishes a contact between him and the object. As the contact becomes

stronger and stronger, a deep attachment is formed for that object. This

attachment creates a desire (Kama) in him to possess and enjoy that object. The

object may be a beautiful picture or an attractive human figure or anything. As

the desire becomes stronger and stronger, life becomes meaningless to him

without possessing that object. He then makes attempts to possess that object.

If anyone opposes him he gets angry. So it is said, anger springs from desire.

When Ravana asked Mareecha to assume the body of a golden deer and attract the

attention of Sri Sita, Mareecha said "Ravana, by your plan to abduct Sita, you

are going to play with fire. Sita is the Divine Mother and her noble husband Sri

Rama, is not an ordinary man. He is Lord Narayana, Himself, in human form. There

is no force in the universe who can stand face to face with Sri Rama. Therefore,

by taking away Sri Sita from Him, you invite your ruin and the ruin of your

entire race. So, give up this idea of your own destruction.”

 

Mareecha thus warned Ravana not to underestimate the prowess of Rama. But the

advice did not appeal to Ravana’s reason. Ravana got angry with Mareecha and

threatened to kill him if he did not obey his words. This clearly illustrates

that when the desire to possess an object is frustrated you will become angry.

Then, even wholesome advice will not appeal to your mind.

 

Now you see that, from the thought of the object of senses, attachment comes.

This attachment generates in you and eager desire to possess the object and when

that desire gets frustrated you get angry. Then you get self-deluded and forget

everything. You don’t remember what you are doing and to whom you are talking.

 

Mareecha was the uncle of Ravana. He was the one who had a taste of Rama’s

valor. He was speaking from his own experience. But Ravana’s desire to possess

Sita was so strong, that he did not lend his ears to Mareecha’s sound counsel.

Instead, he threatened to kill Mareecha, forgetting his relationship with him.

 

This is the effect of delusion. When anger overpowers you, you do not remember

the relation you bear to other persons. Gradually, then arises loss of memory

and then you lose the sense of right and wrong because your reasoning power is

totally lost. With the loss of reason, your total loss follows.

 

 

 

 

 

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