Shree Krishna’s Teachings to Overcome the Inner Enemy
“Pride is the burden of the soul believing it is the body.”
— Swami Mukundananda
Pride is subtle. It hides in our talents, intellect, appearance, and even in our spirituality. Shree Krishna, through the Bhagavad Gita, unmasks pride as one of the greatest barriers to liberation. In his teachings, as explained by Swami Mukundananda, we learn that real strength lies in humility, not self-importance.
This blog presents powerful Bhagavad Gita quotes on pride and ego, along with practical insights and examples from Swamiji's discourses. Each quote is a stepping stone toward freedom from pride—and a return to divine simplicity.
🧭 Why do we need to overcome pride?
“Pride complicates life and makes the personality artificial and hypocritical.”
— Swami Mukundananda
In a society that celebrates self-promotion, pride is often mistaken for confidence. But pride isn’t strength—it’s separation. It distances us from God and keeps us trapped in illusion.
Swamiji reminds us: “Pride says ‘I did it.’ Devotion says, ‘He did it through me.’”
Let’s explore Gita verses that break pride down—one humble truth at a time.
📖 1. "I am the doer" — The root of pride
📜 Bhagavad Gita 3.27
Read here
"All activities are carried out by the three modes of material nature. But in ignorance, the soul, deluded by false identification with the body, thinks of itself as the doer."
🧠 Swamiji’s Insight:
Pride begins when we take ownership of what isn’t ours. Swamiji humorously shares the story of how there were two lice on the ear of an elephant, and while it was crossing the wooden bridge, it stomped powerfully, causing the whole structure to tremble. When Elephant reached the other side, one lice said to the other, “We shook the bridge!”—a perfect metaphor for how our ego takes credit for divine energy.
💡 Reflection Tip:
When you feel proud of an accomplishment, ask:
“Did I really do it alone—or was I just the instrument?”
📖 2. "Even seeing, hearing, moving... I am not the doer."
📜 Bhagavad Gita 5.8–9
Read here
“Those steadfast in karm yog, always think, “I am not the doer,” even while engaged in seeing, hearing, touching, smelling, moving, sleeping, breathing, speaking, excreting, grasping, and opening or closing the eyes. With the light of divine knowledge, they see that it is only the material senses that are moving amongst their objects.”
🧠 Swamiji’s Insight:
Just like kitchen tongs can’t cook without the hand, our body-mind-intellect cannot act without the soul. And the soul draws energy from God. So, who’s the real doer?
💡 Practice Tip:
Repeat daily:
“I am just the instrument. The doer is He.”
📖 3. "Demoniac qualities include pride and ego."
📜 Bhagavad Gita 16.4
Read here
"O Parth, the qualities of those who possess a demoniac nature are hypocrisy, arrogance, conceit, anger, harshness, and ignorance."
🧠 Swamiji’s Insight:
Pride is not just a flaw—it’s a block on the path to God. Whether it’s your position, wealth, beauty, or even spirituality, if pride enters, grace leaves.
💡 Daily Reminder:
“The moment pride enters, His grace disappears.”
— Saint Kabir
📖 4. "Pride says: 'I deserve.' Bhakti says: 'I am blessed.'"
📜 Bhagavad Gita 10.3
Read here
“Those who know Me as unborn and beginningless, and as the Supreme Lord of the universe, they among mortals are free from illusion and released from all evils.”
🧠 Swamiji’s Insight:
Knowledge of God dissolves pride. If He is the source of everything, how can we boast? Swamiji gives the example of Hanuman, who was immensely powerful, but his only identity was “I am a servant of Shree Ram.”
💡 Spiritual Mantra:
“Whatever I have is His gift. I am nothing without Him.”
📖 5. "False pride is spiritual intoxication."
🧠 Swamiji’s Teaching:
Swamiji compares pride to alcohol—it intoxicates the intellect and distorts our behavior. The moment pride enters, your spiritual progress slows down.
💡 Analogy to Remember:
“Pride is like poison in sweet nectar—it ruins everything silently.”
📖 6. “If God had not graced, how could I have done it?”
🧠 Swamiji’s Practice Tip:
Every time the mind says, “I did something great,” immediately counter it with a humble thought:
“Without God’s grace, I couldn’t have done anything.”
This is how we practice ego correction—by consciously choosing truth over illusion.
📖 7. “Who am I to judge others?”
🧠 Swamiji’s Thought Check:
Pride often shows up in comparison:
“I am better than them.”
Swamiji teaches us to reply:
“They are better than me in so many ways. What do I truly know?”
💡 Daily Check-In:
- Did I compare myself today?
- Did I feel superior?
- Time to strike the ego gently.
📖 8. “Act externally. Surrender internally.”
🧠 Swamiji’s Philosophy:
“Put in your best efforts as if everything depends on you—but from inside think, that everything depends on Him.”
This is the balance of Karm Yog and Bhakti Yog. Outward action, inward surrender.
💡 Reminder:
Be like a flute in Krishna’s hands—empty, silent, but ready to play His melody.
🧘♂️ Practical Ways to Overcome Pride
- Begin each task with the thought: “I am not the doer.”
- End each success with the prayer: “All credit goes to Him.”
- Practice silence when praised. Let God be praised through your life.
- Study saints like Hanuman, Meera, and Kabir. Their humility was their power.
- Join daily sadhana with Swamiji to internalize these truths.
📣 Subscribe to Swami Mukundananda’s Teachings
For more quotes, deep dives on mind control, ego, and spiritual growth, subscribe to Swami Mukundananda’s YouTube channel:
👉 Swami Mukundananda YouTube Channel
Let this become your daily dose of clarity and inspiration.
📍 Upcoming Events with Swamiji
✨ Dallas Life Transformation Program
🗓️ Aug 28 – Sep 1, 2025 | 📍 Allen, TX
➡️ Discover the tools to dissolve ego, master the mind, and transform your inner world.
🔗 Register Here
✨ Dallas Spiritual Retreat
🗓️ Oct 4 – 6, 2025 | 📍 Bridgeport, TX
➡️ A serene weekend of reflection, meditation, and deep inner cleansing with Swamiji.
🔗 Join the Retreat
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is pride always a bad thing?
A: Pride in divine connection is different. False pride—based on ego—leads to bondage. True humility reflects strength.
Q: How can I overcome pride in everyday life?
A: Through self-awareness and thought correction. Catch prideful thoughts and replace them with humble reflections.
Q: What does Krishna say about ego in the Gita?
A: Krishna says ego is an illusion. The wise know: “I do nothing. He does everything through me.”
Q: Why does pride block spiritual growth?
A: Because it shifts the focus from God to self, breaking the flow of grace.
📚 References & Sources
- Bhagavad Gita Verses: 3.27, 5.8–9, 10.3, 13.7, 16.4
- Discourses by Swami Mukundananda:
- Event Info & Teachings: JKYog.org
🙏 Final Reflection
“When I was, God was not. Now God is, and I am not.”
— Saint Kabir
In the narrow lane of divine love, only one can walk—you or your pride.
Let pride go. Let ego fall. Let Krishna lead.
