Bhagavad Gita · Verse 16.12
Chapter 16: Daivasura Sampad Vibhaga Yoga (दैवासुरसम्पद्विभागयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
आशापाशशतैर्बद्धाः कामक्रोधपरायणाः । ईहन्ते कामभोगार्थमन्यायेनार्थसञ्चयान् ॥१२॥
āśāpāśaśatairbaddhāḥ kāmakrodhaparāyaṇāḥ | īhante kāmabhogārthamanyāyenārthasañcayān ||12||
Complete Shloka Translation
Bound by hundreds of cords of expectation and given over to desire and anger, they seek to accumulate wealth unjustly for the gratification of desire.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| आशापाश | āśāpāśa | cord of expectation |
| अन्याय | anyāya | injustice |
| आशापाशशतैर्बद्धाः | āśāpāśaśatairbaddhāḥ | [term] in context of Bound by hundreds of cords of ... |
| कामक्रोधपरायणाः | kāmakrodhaparāyaṇāḥ | [term] in context of Bound by hundreds of cords of ... |
| ईहन्ते | īhante | [term] in context of Bound by hundreds of cords of ... |
| कामभोगार्थमन्यायेनार्थसञ्चयान् | kāmabhogārthamanyāyenārthasañcayān | [term] in context of Bound by hundreds of cords of ... |
| १२ | kāmabhogārthamanyāyenārthasañcayān | [term] in context of Bound by hundreds of cords of ... |
cord of expectation
injustice
[term] in context of Bound by hundreds of cords of ...
[term] in context of Bound by hundreds of cords of ...
[term] in context of Bound by hundreds of cords of ...
[term] in context of Bound by hundreds of cords of ...
[term] in context of Bound by hundreds of cords of ...
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
The cords image shows expectation becoming bondage. The condemnation falls specifically on unjust acquisition fueled by desire and anger, not on earning a livelihood or planning responsibly for material needs.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Keep the means of earning as important as what you hope to gain."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
Are your means of earning consistent with your values?
Modern Life Implementation (Practical Real-Life Application)
Apply this verse to master daily focus: anchor your consciousness in higher values, let go of anxious attachment to results, and act with integrity and kindness in every endeavor.