Monday, Nov 11, 2013. Srimad Bhagavadgeeta : Chapter-3. ( Karmayogam) Slokam-38.:

Monday, Nov 11,  2013.



Srimad Bhagavadgeeta :


Chapter-3. ( Karmayogam)


Slokam-38.


Dhumenavriyate    vahnih    yathadarso    malena   ca,


Yatholabenavruto   garbah    tatha     tenedamavrutam.


Yatha    =    As,

Vahnih    =    The fire,  ( which is naturally bright ),

Avriyate   =    (is in what way ) enveloped or covered,  

Dhumena     vahnih    =      By smoke, ( which is born concomitantly (with fire),  and is naturally dark;

Malena   adarsah    ca     =      ( as ) mirror is coveredby dust,

Ulbena   garbhah     =      ( as  ) Foetus, ( enclosed in or covered by  ) womb,

Tatha   tena    =     So,   by that lust,

Idam   avrutam     =     This  Jnanam ( knowledge is ) covered or enveloped or  not visible.



Just like smoke covering a fire, a mirror covered with dust and a womb enclosing an embryo, so similarly by this lust this [knowing] is covered.

One is covered by it like a fire is by smoke, a mirror by dust and an embryo by a womb. 


As fire is covered by smoke, as a mirror is covered by dust, or as the embryo is covered by the womb, similarly, the living entity is covered by different degrees of this lust.


As fire is enveloped by smoke, as a mirror by dirt, and as a foetus remains enclosed in the womb, so in this shrouded by that.

 Just as fire is often covered by clouds of smoke, as a mirror may be covered by dust or a fetus is hidden in the womb, Self knowledge is hidden by Desire.



There are three degrees of covering of the living entity by which his pure consciousness is obscured. This covering is but lust under different manifestations like smoke in the fire, dust on the mirror, and the womb about the embryo. When lust is compared to smoke, it is understood that the fire of the living spark can be a little perceived. In other words, when the living entity exhibits his Lord's consciousness slightly, he may be likened to the fire covered by smoke. Although fire is necessary where there is smoke, there is no overt manifestation of fire in the early stage. This stage is like the beginning of Easwaran's  consciousness. The dust on the mirror refers to a cleansing process of the mirror of the mind by so many spiritual methods. The best process is to chant the holy names of the Lord. The embryo covered by the womb is an analogy illustrating a helpless position, for the child in the womb is so helpless that he cannot even move. This stage of living condition can be compared to that of the trees. The trees are also living entities, but they have been put in such a condition of life by such a great exhibition of lust that they are almost void of all consciousness. The covered mirror is compared to the birds and beasts, and the smoke covered fire is compared to the human being. In the form of a human being, the living entity may revive a little the infinite's consciousness, and, if he makes further development, the fire of spiritual life can be kindled in the human form of life. By careful handling of the smoke in the fire, the fire can be made to blaze. Therefore the human form of life is a chance for the living entity to escape the entanglement of material existence. In the human form of life, one can conquer the enemy, lust, by cultivation of the Supreme Paramatma's  consciousness under the able guidance.