Chapter 3 Verse 43
Karm Yog
एवं बुद्धेः परं बुद्ध्वा संस्तभ्यात्मानमात्मना। जहि शत्रुं महाबाहो कामरूपं दुरासदम्।।3.43।।
evaṁ buddheḥ paraṁ buddhvā sanstabhyātmānam ātmanā jahi śhatruṁ mahā-bāho kāma-rūpaṁ durāsadam
Word Meanings
| evam | thus |
| buddheḥ | than the intellect |
| param | superior |
| buddhvā | knowing |
| sanstabhya | subdue |
| ātmānam | the lower self (senses, mind, and intellect) |
| ātmanā | by higher self (soul) |
| jahi | kill |
| śhatrum | the enemy |
| mahā-bāho | mighty-armed one |
| kāma-rūpam | in the form of desire |
| durāsadam | formidable |
Translation
Thus, knowing Him who is superior to the intellect and restraining the self by the Self, slay thou, O mighty-armed Arjuna, the enemy in the form of desire, hard to conquer.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
The verse tells you to recognize a deeper guidance within — the higher Self that is beyond thinking. This inner presence is steadier than the intellect and can guide you toward right action.
By holding that higher Self steady, you can control the lower parts of yourself (the senses, impulses, and restless mind). With this inner control, you are asked to overcome desire — the strong pull that keeps you repeating harmful or distracting habits.
"Slay" here means to discipline or transform the pull of craving, not to use force against others. It points to steady practice, awareness, and choosing what serves your deeper good over immediate pleasure.
Life Application
- When you feel pulled by a craving, pause, take a few deep breaths, and ask what your wiser Self wants in this moment.
- Set small rules (time limits, places, or actions) that help weaken automatic habits and strengthen calm attention.
- Daily practices like brief meditation, honest self-checks, or journaling help you notice impulses and choose differently.
Reflection Question
Which habitual desire pulls you most often away from your deeper values, and what one small step can you take today to weaken it?