Shrimad Bhagwat Gita : : 3.43.32
एवं बुद्धे: परं बुद्ध्वा संस्तभ्यात्मानमात्मना |
जहि शत्रुं महाबाहो कामरूपं दुरासदम् || 43||
evaṁ buddheḥ paraṁ buddhvā sanstabhyātmānam ātmanā
jahi śhatruṁ mahā-bāho kāma-rūpaṁ durāsadam
evam—thus; buddheḥ—to intelligence; param—superior; buddhvā—knowing; sanstabhya—making steady; ātmānam— intellect; ātmanā— mind; jahi—conquer; śhatrum—the enemy; mahā-bāho—O mighty-armed one; kāma-rūpam—in the form of desire; durāsadam—formidable
3.43: Thus knowing the soul to be superior to the material senses, O mighty armed Arjun, make the mind steady by using intellect, and thus by spiritual strength conquer this formidable, insatiable, enemy that is lust.
In this last verse of Chapter 3 which is devoted to karm yog, Shri Krishna emphasizes that we should gain control over this enemy called lust through knowledge of the self.
No matter how much gratification we experience from material acquisitions it shall never be enough as a material outlook and lust are insatiable – very reminiscent of the legendary monster who needs to be fed constantly. No amount of offerings are enough for this monster whose belly is a dark, bottomless pit and so his hunger knows no end.
Real, long lasting peace and satisfaction can only be derived from spiritual gains. The longing of the soul and its eternal search for tranquillity can only be met through attainment of divine bliss.
We must discipline and train the intellect to control the mind and the senses, and focus on pursuit of the divine.
By exercising self-control, by entertaining no desire for any material outcome, and by overcoming lust and desire, Arjun must elevate himself to a higher plane and concentrate on acquiring Ultimate Knowledge.
The Gita’s philosophy and teachings have helped me understand much of what otherwise lay in the realm of the unexplained. More importantly, it has helped me come to terms with the finite nature of life on this earth, and simultaneously draw solace from accepting the infinite existence of the soul. It is reassuring to understand the significance of following one’s dharma (duty), performing good karma (deeds), while being engaged in the quest for gyan (knowledge) as one walks on in the hope of attaining moksha (salvation).
Shared here is a brief documentation of what this shloka of the Gita says to me.
Vandana R Singh
New Delhi, June 2020