Verse 3.39 : Karma Yoga "Path of Selfless Action"
Verse 39 of 43
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The Translation
“O son of Kunti, the wisdom of the wise is covered by this constant enemy in the form of desire, which is insatiable like fire.”
Commentary & Insights
Krishna explains that desire is the eternal enemy of the wise, behaving like an insatiable fire that can never be satisfied by indulgence.
Practical Application
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Practice gratitude today: list five things you already own or enjoy that you once desired. Realize that you already possess what you need to be happy.
Reflections & Notes
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Self-Reflection Prompts
- Why is desire compared to a fire? What happens when you try to satisfy a craving—does it die, or does it burn brighter?
- Why is desire called the 'constant enemy' specifically of the wise, rather than the ignorant?
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3.39
आवृतं ज्ञानमेतेन ज्ञानिनो नित्यवैरिणा
The ignorant feel that desire is a friend because they enjoy sensory pleasures. The wise understand, even before acting, that desire brings grief and binds them to samsara. Therefore, it is their constant conscious enemy.