Chapter 3 Verse 39
Karm Yog
आवृतं ज्ञानमेतेन ज्ञानिनो नित्यवैरिणा। कामरूपेण कौन्तेय दुष्पूरेणानलेन च।।3.39।।
āvṛitaṁ jñānam etena jñānino nitya-vairiṇā kāma-rūpeṇa kaunteya duṣhpūreṇānalena cha
Word Meanings
| āvṛitam | covered |
| jñānam | knowledge |
| etena | by this |
| jñāninaḥ | of the wise |
| nitya-vairiṇā | by the perpetual enemy |
| kāma-rūpeṇa | in the form of desires |
| kaunteya | Arjun the son of Kunti |
| duṣhpūreṇa | insatiable |
| analena | like fire |
| cha | and |
Translation
O Arjuna, wisdom is enveloped by this constant enemy of the wise, in the form of desire, which is insatiable like fire.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
Desire is described as a constant enemy that covers or hides true knowledge. Even wise people can be blinded when their wants are strong and unchecked.
Like a fire that never fills, desire keeps growing and consuming what it touches. It leads attention away from higher goals and pulls a person into repeated, unhelpful actions.
Seeing desire as an inner force helps you understand why wisdom alone is not enough. You need steady practice and self-control to prevent desire from clouding judgment and guiding your life.
Life Application
- Pause before reacting: take a few breaths when a strong want arises to see if it serves your deeper values.
- Set simple limits: reduce impulses by creating small routines (delays, budgets, time limits) so desire loses its immediate power.
- Keep purpose visible: remind yourself of long-term goals or duties to counter short-term cravings.
Reflection Question
Which one desire right now is hiding my clearer judgment?