Bhagavad Gita · Verse 3.43
Chapter 3: Karma Yoga (कर्मयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
एवं बुद्धेः परं बुद्ध्वा संस्तभ्यात्मानमात्मना । जहि शत्रुं महाबाहो कामरूपं दुरासदम् ॥४३॥
evaṃ buddheḥ paraṃ buddhvā saṃstabhyātmānamātmanā | jahi śatruṃ mahābāho kāmarūpaṃ durāsadam ||43||
Complete Shloka Translation
Knowing the self to be beyond understanding, steady yourself through the self, mighty-armed one, and overcome the formidable enemy that takes the form of desire.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| संस्तभ्य | saṃstabhya | having steadied |
| दुरासदम् | durāsadam | formidable or difficult to overcome |
| एवं | evaṃ | [term] in context of Knowing the self to be beyond ... |
| बुद्धेः | buddheḥ | [term] in context of Knowing the self to be beyond ... |
| परं | paraṃ | [term] in context of Knowing the self to be beyond ... |
| बुद्ध्वा | buddhvā | [term] in context of Knowing the self to be beyond ... |
| संस्तभ्यात्मानमात्मना | saṃstabhyātmānamātmanā | [term] in context of Knowing the self to be beyond ... |
| जहि | jahi | [term] in context of Knowing the self to be beyond ... |
| शत्रुं | śatruṃ | [term] in context of Knowing the self to be beyond ... |
| महाबाहो | mahābāho | [term] in context of Knowing the self to be beyond ... |
| कामरूपं | kāmarūpaṃ | [term] in context of Knowing the self to be beyond ... |
| ४३ | durāsadam | [term] in context of Knowing the self to be beyond ... |
having steadied
formidable or difficult to overcome
[term] in context of Knowing the self to be beyond ...
[term] in context of Knowing the self to be beyond ...
[term] in context of Knowing the self to be beyond ...
[term] in context of Knowing the self to be beyond ...
[term] in context of Knowing the self to be beyond ...
[term] in context of Knowing the self to be beyond ...
[term] in context of Knowing the self to be beyond ...
[term] in context of Knowing the self to be beyond ...
[term] in context of Knowing the self to be beyond ...
[term] in context of Knowing the self to be beyond ...
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
The closing instruction brings self-knowledge and discipline together. The enemy is the inward force of consuming desire described in 3.37–42, continuing the chapter's account of nonattached action.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"The chapter ends by directing disciplined action toward overcoming binding desire."
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
What steadier orientation can guide action when a strong desire arises?
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.