The Gita

Chapter 3 · Verse 37 of 43

The Yoga of Action

कर्मयोग

Meaning

Supreme God Krishna spoke

Desires and anger, born of the Passional Mode of Nature (RajoGuna) are the all-devouring evil forces {which force one to commit sins against their will}. Know them to be the enemy here {within yourself}. (3:37)

Sanskrit

श्रीभगवान् उवाच

काम एष क्रोध एष रजोगुणसमुद्भवः ।

महाशनो महापाप्मा विद्ध्येनमिह वैरिणम्॥

Word-by-word

कामः एषः क्रोधः एषः रजोगुण-सम्-उद्भवः,

महा-अशनः महा-पाप्मा विद्धि एनम् इह वैरिणम्।।

Commentary

In the verse, 'all-devouring' would mean "consuming even wisdom and the ability to discern right from wrong.

PreviousNext