Commentary

Commentary

Verses 13 through 15 are remarkable because Krishna speaks directly in the voice of the demonic person, revealing the internal monologue of someone consumed by material ambition. This is one of the most psychologically vivid passages in the entire Gita.

“Today I have gained this” — the demonic person keeps constant mental accounts. Every acquisition is recorded, every gain celebrated. “Tomorrow I shall gain that” — the mind races ahead to the next target, never resting in the present. “This wealth is mine” — the language of possession dominates. “And it will increase” — there is never enough. The appetite grows with feeding.

Notice how every sentence begins or ends with “I” or “mine.” The demonic consciousness is entirely self-referential. The world exists as a field for personal acquisition. Other people are either tools for gaining more or obstacles to be removed.

This internal monologue continues into the next two verses, forming one of the most powerful psychological portraits in world scripture. Krishna is not describing a monster — he is describing an ordinary human being who has allowed greed and ego to become the organizing principles of life. The recognition that we might hear echoes of our own thoughts in these words is precisely the point.