Bhagavad Gita · Verse 3.38
Chapter 3: Karma Yoga (कर्मयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
धूमेनाव्रियते वह्निर्यथादर्शो मलेन च । यथोल्बेनावृतो गर्भस्तथा तेनेदमावृतम् ॥३८॥
dhūmenāvriyate vahniryathādarśo malena ca | yatholbenāvṛto garbhastathā tenedamāvṛtam ||38||
Complete Shloka Translation
As fire is veiled by smoke, a mirror by dirt, and an embryo by its enclosing membrane, so this understanding is veiled by desire.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| धूमेन | dhūmena | by smoke |
| मलेन | malena | by dirt |
| धूमेनाव्रियते | dhūmenāvriyate | [term] in context of As fire is veiled by smoke, a ... |
| वह्निर्यथादर्शो | vahniryathādarśo | [term] in context of As fire is veiled by smoke, a ... |
| यथोल्बेनावृतो | ca | [term] in context of As fire is veiled by smoke, a ... |
| गर्भस्तथा | yatholbenāvṛto | [term] in context of As fire is veiled by smoke, a ... |
| तेनेदमावृतम् | garbhastathā | [term] in context of As fire is veiled by smoke, a ... |
| ३८ | tenedamāvṛtam | [term] in context of As fire is veiled by smoke, a ... |
by smoke
by dirt
[term] in context of As fire is veiled by smoke, a ...
[term] in context of As fire is veiled by smoke, a ...
[term] in context of As fire is veiled by smoke, a ...
[term] in context of As fire is veiled by smoke, a ...
[term] in context of As fire is veiled by smoke, a ...
[term] in context of As fire is veiled by smoke, a ...
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
The covered subject is made explicit as knowledge in 3.39. The images invite attention to obscuration; assigning fixed stages to each belongs to further commentary interpretation.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"The three images show understanding obscured by something covering it."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
What can obscure an understanding you already possess?
Modern Life Implementation (Practical Real-Life Application)
Apply this verse in your daily career and work life: discharge your responsibilities wholeheartedly as an act of service and social welfare, freeing your mind from selfish anxiety and burnout.