Traits of Character to Be Avoided

Q. Swami! What are the traits of character that we have to avoid, that is to say, which are the obstacles in the path of one who seeks liberation from the cycle of birth and death?

A. The six, the arishadvarga [six fold beast]: kama, krodha, lobha, moha, mada, and matsarya; these are to be avoided.

Q. What exactly is kama?

A. Desire for riches, property, honor, status, fame, children; why list the lot? [It is] attachment to all things of this sensory world, this false, temporary, impure world.

Q.  Krodha?

A. Yearning to harm others and cause ruin to them.

Q. And lobha?

A. Determination that no one else should partake of even a small fraction of what one has earned or what one has. Also, that even in times of distress, one’s possessions should not be diminished by use.

Q. What is the meaning of moha?

A. The delusion that some people are nearer to one than others and the desire to please them more than others, leading to exertions for earning and accumulating for their sake.

Q. Mada?

A. Mada means the swagger that develops when one feels that he has either scholarship or strength or riches or fame, more than others. Even when one has not got these, mada makes men move about without reverence for elders and consideration for others’ feelings and craving only for one’s own comfort and security. Mada is extreme egoism.

Q. The last that you mentioned is matsarya. What does that mean, Swami?

A. When others are as happy as yourself, matsarya makes one miserable; one cannot tolerate it.

Q. There are certain other traits, too, called dambha and darpa. What do they indicate?

A. Dambha prompts people to do yaga and yajna, to give away vast sums in charity, in order to win the applause of the world. Darpa is the pride that haunts man when he is rich and happy.

Q. What is the meaning of ershya?

A. The desire that others should get the grief, the misery, and the worry that one is suffering from.

Q. So, it is different from asuya?

A. Yes, asuya means thinking always of doing evil to others; the preparedness to put up with any trouble in order to satisfy this desire to harm others. All these are called inner foes. So long as man is caught in this net of delusion spread by these foes, the yearning for liberation will not dawn in his mind.

Source: Prasnottara Vahini

Traits of Character to Be Avoided

Traits of Character to Be Avoided

Human life becomes meaningful only when thoughts, words, and actions move in the direction of truth and compassion. Every person desires peace, happiness, and spiritual growth, yet these blessings cannot remain where negative habits dominate the mind. Traits of Character to Be Avoided are those qualities that weaken inner strength and create distance from purity and devotion. Anger, jealousy, pride, greed, dishonesty, and selfishness slowly destroy harmony within the heart. A person may appear successful outwardly, but without noble conduct there can never be true satisfaction. The teachings shared by Devotional India remind seekers that character is the foundation of spiritual progress and righteous living.

Among the major Traits of Character to Be Avoided, anger stands at the forefront. Anger clouds wisdom and causes people to speak harshly without thinking of consequences. A calm mind reflects divine grace, while uncontrolled temper damages relationships and creates sorrow. Spiritual masters often teach that patience and forgiveness are signs of real strength. When one learns to remain peaceful even in difficult moments, life becomes balanced and meaningful. According to the wisdom traditions celebrated by Devotional India, inner peace grows only when negative emotions are removed from the heart.

Another of the important Traits of Character to Be Avoided is jealousy. Jealousy prevents a person from appreciating the blessings already present in life. Instead of celebrating the success of others, the jealous mind becomes restless and unhappy. True spirituality teaches contentment and gratitude. Every soul has a unique journey guided by divine will, and comparison only leads to suffering. By practicing kindness and appreciation, individuals can replace jealousy with joy and harmony.

Pride is also among the dangerous Traits of Character to Be Avoided because it creates ego and separation. A proud person often believes that personal achievements are greater than everyone else’s efforts. Such thinking blocks humility and wisdom. Great saints and spiritual leaders lived simple and humble lives despite possessing immense knowledge and power. Humility attracts respect and divine grace, while pride leads to downfall. The spiritual insights shared through Devotional India encourage people to remain grounded and respectful toward all beings.

Greed is another weakness that must be conquered. Among the many Traits of Character to Be Avoided, greed destroys contentment and pushes individuals toward endless desires. Wealth and material comforts are not wrong, but attachment to them can create fear and dissatisfaction. A generous heart experiences greater happiness than a selfish one. Sharing with others and helping the needy brings spiritual fulfillment and inner joy.

Dishonesty and selfishness are equally harmful. These Traits of Character to Be Avoided damage trust and weaken moral values. Truthfulness is considered sacred in every spiritual tradition because it strengthens both character and relationships. Selfish behavior may provide temporary benefit, but it eventually creates loneliness and conflict. A life guided by honesty, compassion, and service leads to lasting peace.

Negative speech must also be controlled. Gossip, criticism, and hurtful words leave deep wounds in the hearts of others. One of the subtle Traits of Character to Be Avoided is the habit of speaking without kindness or understanding. Words have power, and gentle speech can heal while harsh language can destroy. Spiritual discipline teaches people to speak only what is truthful, necessary, and loving.

The path toward a noble life requires constant self-examination. Everyone possesses weaknesses, but sincere effort and devotion can transform them into virtues. By recognizing the Traits of Character to Be Avoided, people can develop purity, compassion, patience, humility, and truthfulness. Such qualities bring harmony not only to personal life but also to society as a whole. The spiritual message spread through Devotional India continues to inspire seekers to rise above negativity and walk on the path of righteousness, peace, and divine love.

-Christmas