Text 4

dambho darpo ’bhimanas ca
krodhah parusyam eva ca
ajnanam cabhijatasya
partha sampadam asurim

Translation

Pride, arrogance, conceit, anger, harshness and ignorance—these qualities belong to those of demoniac nature, O son of Pritha.

Commentary by Srila Prabhupada

In this verse, the royal road to hell is described. The demoniac want to make a show of religion and advancement in spiritual science, although they do not follow the principles. They are always arrogant or proud in possessing some type of education or so much wealth. They desire to be worshiped by others, and demand respectability, although they do not command respect. Over trifles they become very angry and speak harshly, not gently. They do not know what should be done and what should not be done. They do everything whimsically, according to their own desire, and they do not recognize any authority. These demoniac qualities are taken on by them from the beginning of their bodies in the wombs of their mothers, and as they grow they manifest all these inauspicious qualities.

Commentary by Sri Visvanatha Cakravarti Thakur

The Lord now speaks of the fruits which cause bondage.

Dambha means to announce oneself as religious even though one has a sinful nature. Darpa means pride due to wealth, knowledge and the like. Abhimana means to desire respect from others or attachment to wife, sons and other things. Krodha means anger. Parusya means cruelty. Ajnana means lack of discrimination. These are the qualities of the asura, which indicate other types of beings such as raksasas as well. These qualities belong to the person born at a moment indicating attainment of rajasic or tamasic qualities.