Chapter 3, Verse 38 (Bhagavad Gita 3.38)
Chapter 3: Karm Yog – Path of Selfless Service
Sanskrit Shloka
धूमेनाव्रियते वह्निर्यथाऽऽदर्शो मलेन च। यथोल्बेनावृतो गर्भस्तथा तेनेदमावृतम्
Transliteration
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
Just as fire is covered by smoke, a mirror by dust, and an embryo by the womb, in the same way, knowledge is enveloped by desire.
Meaning & Commentary
This verse illustrates the subtle and pervasive nature of desire (kama) which clouds our inherent wisdom. Just as smoke obscures fire without extinguishing it, or dust hides the mirror's clarity without altering its nature, desire acts as a veil over the soul's purity. The analogy of the embryo suggests that this ignorance can be deeply internal, fundamental to our embodied state, yet temporary in its grip. To realize our true potential, we must engage in the process of 'cleansing'—blowing away the smoke and wiping the dust of ego and craving. Ultimately, this teaching reminds us that spiritual liberation is not about acquiring something new, but uncovering the light of awareness that is already present within.