Chapter 16 Verse 12
Daivāsura Sampad Vibhāg Yog
आशापाशशतैर्बद्धाः कामक्रोधपरायणाः।ईहन्ते कामभोगार्थमन्यायेनार्थसञ्चयान्।।16.12।।
āśhā-pāśha-śhatair baddhāḥ kāma-krodha-parāyaṇāḥ īhante kāma-bhogārtham anyāyenārtha-sañchayān
Word Meanings
| āśhā-pāśha | bondage of desires |
| śhataiḥ | by hundreds |
| baddhāḥ | bound |
| kāma | lust |
| krodha | anger |
| parāyaṇāḥ | dedicated to |
| īhante | strive |
| kāma | lust |
| bhoga | gratification of the senses |
| artham | for |
| anyāyena | by unjust means |
| artha | wealth |
| sañchayān | to accumulate |
Translation
Bound by a hundred ties of hope, given over to lust and anger, they strive to obtain hoards of wealth by unlawful means for sensual enjoyment.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse points out how people become trapped by many hopes and desires. When we are driven by lust and anger, we lose freedom and clear judgment.
Such people chase wealth and pleasures for the senses, sometimes using unfair or harmful ways. This pursuit deepens the bondage and brings unrest, not real happiness.
The teaching invites us to notice how desire and anger push us into wrong actions. True freedom and peace come from honest effort, self-control, and valuing inner well‑being over short-lived sensory gain.
Life Application
- Before you act, pause and ask: "Am I doing this for a fleeting pleasure or out of fear/greed?" Choose honest, fair ways even if they are slower.
- Practice small habits to reduce craving and anger: short breaks, breathing, gratitude lists, and limits on impulsive spending or screen time.
- Focus energy on lasting values—kindness, steady work, learning, and relationships—rather than quick sensory rewards.
Reflection Question
Which desire or hope is currently driving my choices, and is it harming my peace or others?