Bhagavad Gita · Chapter 3 · Karma Yoga
Bhagavad Gita 3.38 धूमेनाव्रियते वह्निर्यथादर्शो मलेन च
श्लोक 3.38
धूमेनाव्रियते वह्निर्यथादर्शो मलेन च ।
यथोल्बेनावृतो गर्भस्तथा तेनेदमावृतम् ॥
dhūmenāvriyate vahniryathādarśo malena ca |
yatholbenāvṛto garbhastathā tenedamāvṛtam ||
हिन्दी अर्थ
जैसे धुएँ से अग्नि ढकी रहती है, धूल से दर्पण और गर्भ-झिल्ली से गर्भ ढका रहता है, वैसे ही इस काम से ज्ञान ढका रहता है।
Meaning in English
As fire is covered by smoke, as a mirror by dust, and as an embryo by the womb, so is this (knowledge) covered by desire.
Bhagavad Gita 3.38 — word by word
| Word | Transliteration | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| धूमेन | dhūmena | by smoke |
| आव्रियते | āvriyate | is covered |
| वह्निः | vahniḥ | fire |
| यथा | yathā | as |
| आदर्शः | ādarśaḥ | a mirror |
| मलेन | malena | by dust |
| च | ca | and |
| यथा | yathā | as |
| उल्बेन | ulbena | by the womb membrane |
| आवृतः | āvṛtaḥ | enveloped |
| गर्भः | garbhaḥ | the embryo |
| तथा | tathā | so |
| तेन | tena | by it (desire) |
| इदम् | idam | this (knowledge) |
| आवृतम् | āvṛtam | is covered |
Explanation
As fire is covered by smoke, a mirror by dust, and an embryo by the womb, so this knowledge is covered by desire.
Three images show different degrees of covering. Smoke hides fire only lightly and clears easily; dust on a mirror needs some wiping; the womb encloses the embryo completely until birth. Some later commentators link them to desire mixed with sattva, rajas and tamas. In each case the light is still there, only hidden. The teaching is hopeful: understanding is not lost, only veiled.
भावार्थ
जैसे धुएँ से अग्नि, धूल से दर्पण और जेर से गर्भ ढका रहता है, वैसे ही उस काम के द्वारा यह ज्ञान ढका रहता है।
Living it today
When you cannot think clearly, check whether a strong want is clouding your view. Clear the craving and the clarity is still there.
Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of Bhagavad Gita 3.38?
As fire is covered by smoke, a mirror by dust, and an embryo by the womb, so this knowledge is covered by desire.
Who speaks Bhagavad Gita 3.38?
Sri Krishna speaks this verse, in Chapter 3 (Karma Yoga) of the Bhagavad Gita.
How can I apply Bhagavad Gita 3.38 in daily life?
When you cannot think clearly, check whether a strong want is clouding your view. Clear the craving and the clarity is still there.
Reflected on verse 3.38?
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