Meaning
Supreme God Krishna spoke
Everyone is under the sway of the Nature. Even the knowledgeable ones act according to their nature. How much will efforts to restrain accomplish? (3:33)
Sanskrit
श्रीभगवान् उवाच
सदृशं चेष्टते स्वस्याः प्रकृतेर्ज्ञानवानपि ।
प्रकृतिं यान्ति भूतानि निग्रहः किं करिष्यति॥
Word-by-word
सदृशम् चेष्टते स्वस्याः प्रकृतेः ज्ञान-वान् अपि,
प्रकृतिम् यान्ति भूतानि निग्रहः किम् करिष्यति।।
Commentary
This verse does not intend to suggest that restraint on the inherent tendencies is not to be attempted or is impossible. It only conveys that it is challenging. Yet, by developing knowledge and understanding, through efforts and practice, and through the feeling of devotion to God being aroused, the inherent tendencies constituting the character may undergo a complete transformation. The subsequent verse suggests the imperative of exerting effort to liberate oneself from the sway of innate nature.