Bhagavad Gita : Chapter 3, Verses 38–43
My Favourite Quotes from the Book — Part 1
Verse 38:
Sanskrit:
धूमेनाव्रियते वह्निर्यथादर्शो मलेन च |
यथोल्बेनावृतो गर्भस्तथा तेनेदमावृतम् || 38||
Translation: “As fire is covered by smoke, a mirror by dust, and an embryo by the womb, so is knowledge covered by this (desire).”
In this verse, Lord Krishna explains how desire (kama) obstructs true knowledge. He uses three metaphors to show different degrees of obstruction:
- Fire hidden by smoke (easily removable),
- A mirror covered with dust (can be cleaned with effort),
- An embryo covered by the womb (which requires time and patience for birth).
Similarly, desires veil the true self and wisdom, but with the right effort, they can be overcome.
Verse 39:
Sanskrit:
आवृतं ज्ञानमेतेन ज्ञानिनो नित्यवैरिणा |
कामरूपेण कौन्तेय दुष्पूरेणानलेन च || 39||
Translation: “Knowledge is covered, O Kaunteya (Arjuna), by this eternal enemy of the wise, in the form of desire, which is like an insatiable fire.”
In this verse, Krishna explains to Arjuna that desire (kama) acts as a constant enemy to wisdom. It clouds judgment and can never be fully satisfied, much like a fire that grows when fed. The message highlights the need to control desires to attain clarity and wisdom.
Verse 40:
Sanskrit:
इन्द्रियाणि मनो बुद्धिरस्याधिष्ठानमुच्यते |
एतैर्विमोहयत्येष ज्ञानमावृत्य देहिनम् || 40||
Translation: “The senses, the mind, and the intellect are said to be its (desire’s) seat; through these, it deludes the embodied soul by clouding its knowledge.”
In this verse, Lord Krishna explains that desire resides in the senses, mind, and intellect, which are the faculties that control a person’s perception and actions. Desire, by influencing these faculties, clouds the wisdom of the individual (the embodied soul), leading them to delusion and ignorance. Thus, controlling the senses, mind, and intellect becomes crucial for overcoming the grip of desires.
Verse 41:
Sanskrit:
तस्मात्त्वमिन्द्रियाण्यादौ नियम्य भरतर्षभ |
पाप्मानं प्रजहि ह्येनं ज्ञानविज्ञाननाशनम् || 41||
Translation: “Therefore, O best of the Bharatas (Arjuna), first control the senses, and then slay this sinful thing (desire), which destroys knowledge and realization.”
In this verse, Lord Krishna advises Arjuna to first discipline and control his senses. Once the senses are under control, he can defeat desire, which is described as sinful because it destroys both knowledge (jnana) and wisdom or realization (vijnana). This highlights the importance of self-control as the foundation for overcoming desire and attaining higher wisdom.
Verse 42:
इन्द्रियाणि पराण्याहुरिन्द्रियेभ्य: परं मन: |
मनसस्तु परा बुद्धिर्यो बुद्धे: परतस्तु स: || 42||
Translation: “The senses are said to be superior to the body, the mind is superior to the senses, the intellect is superior to the mind, and that which is beyond the intellect is the Self (Atman).”
In this verse, Lord Krishna explains the hierarchy of control within a human being. The body is governed by the senses, which in turn are controlled by the mind. The intellect (buddhi) is higher than the mind, and beyond the intellect is the Self (Atman), the ultimate controller. This verse highlights the levels of awareness and control, leading up to the Self, which is the highest aspect of one’s being. To achieve mastery over desires, one must progress through this hierarchy, ultimately realizing the Self.
Verse 43:
Sanskrit:
एवं बुद्धे: परं बुद्ध्वा संस्तभ्यात्मानमात्मना |
जहि शत्रुं महाबाहो कामरूपं दुरासदम् || 43||
Translation: “Thus, knowing the Self to be beyond the intellect, and controlling the mind by the Self, O mighty-armed Arjuna, conquer this formidable enemy in the form of desire.”
In this concluding verse of Chapter 3, Lord Krishna urges Arjuna to recognize the Self (Atman) as superior to the intellect and to use the power of the Self to control the mind. By doing so, Arjuna can overcome the powerful enemy of desire, which is difficult to conquer. This emphasizes the need for inner strength and self-awareness to defeat the distractions and delusions created by desires, leading to a life of wisdom and clarity.
Meaning:
In this concluding verse, Krishna reinforces the idea that one must elevate oneself through the mind, rather than degrade it. The mind plays a critical role in one’s spiritual journey, serving as both a source of liberation and bondage, depending on how it is utilized.
Summary
These verses collectively emphasize the significance of knowledge and self-control in the spiritual journey. They highlight how desires obscure true understanding and the importance of mastering the mind to achieve higher consciousness and self-realization.
Krishna encourages Arjuna to engage in spiritual practices, emphasizing that wisdom, self-discipline, and detachment from material distractions are essential for attaining true knowledge and liberation.
