Chapter 3 Verse 38
Karm Yog
धूमेनाव्रियते वह्निर्यथाऽऽदर्शो मलेन च। यथोल्बेनावृतो गर्भस्तथा तेनेदमावृतम्।।3.38।।
dhūmenāvriyate vahnir yathādarśho malena cha yatholbenāvṛito garbhas tathā tenedam āvṛitam
Word Meanings
| dhūmena | by smoke |
| āvriyate | is covered |
| vahniḥ | fire |
| yathā | just as |
| ādarśhaḥ | mirror |
| malena | by dust |
| cha | also |
| yathā | just as |
| ulbena | by the womb |
| āvṛitaḥ | is covered |
| garbhaḥ | embryo |
| tathā | similarly |
| tena | by that (desire) |
| idam | this |
| āvṛitam | is covered |
Translation
As fire is enveloped by smoke, as a mirror is covered by dust, and as an embryo is surrounded by the amniotic sac, so is this enveloped by that.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
The verse uses simple images — smoke hiding fire, dust masking a mirror, and the womb covering an embryo — to show how something close and natural can hide what is true and bright. Here the “that” (desire, attachment, or ignorance) covers “this” (our clear self, intelligence, or inner light).
When desire covers the mind, we lose clear judgment and act from impulse or habit instead of wisdom. The teaching warns that spiritual sight and right action are possible only when the covering is seen and removed.
Removing the cover is not about force but about steady effort: awareness, discipline, and right action gradually clear the mind so our true nature can be seen and lived.
Life Application
- Pause before reacting: notice the urge or craving arise and name it (e.g., “this is desire”) to weaken its hold.
- Build small clearing habits: five minutes of morning silence, single-tasking, or regular journaling to reduce mental clutter.
- Let choices follow values, not impulse: ask “Will this serve my long-term peace?” before acting.
Reflection Question
What one habit or desire right now most hides your sense of calm and clarity?