“That enemy I have slain; others I shall slay; I am the lord, enjoyer, successful, powerful, and happy.”
Key Teaching: Demonic beings boast of power and destruction.
Theme: Guidance, Jnana Yoga, Moksha Sannyasa Yoga.
Description:
Krishna portrays demonic beings boasting, “I have slain that enemy; I’ll slay others; I am lord, enjoyer, successful, powerful, happy.” This verse, continuing 16.13, addresses Arjuna’s quest (2.9, 13.1). The themes of guidance, as Krishna critiques demonic pride, Jnana Yoga, as he emphasizes delusion, and Moksha Sannyasa Yoga, as he warns of bondage, are central.
In the Mahabharata, Duryodhana’s arrogance (1.3–11) reflects this boasting, contrasting Arjuna’s restraint (1.28–46). The teaching aligns with Jnana Yoga (13.9), exposing pride, and builds on demonic thoughts (16.13). Krishna underscores their destructive ego.
Philosophically, the verse critiques prideful delusion, a theme refined with teachings on humility (6.14). Arjuna’s path is clarified by avoiding such arrogance. The Gita’s focus on Moksha Sannyasa Yoga warns against egodriven bondage. The verse connects to teachings on nonviolence (6.14).
Sanjaya’s narration ensures objective clarity. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s arrogance, where pride binds. Krishna’s teaching prepares readers to reject destructive ego, aligning with moksha. The boasting resonates with Arjuna’s battlefield ethics.
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