BG 3.38
As fire is shrouded in smoke, a mirror covered by dust, and a fetus enveloped by the womb, so too is the universe enveloped by desire.
यथोल्बेनावृतो गर्भस्तथा तेनेदमावृतम्
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dhūmenāvriyate — covered by smoke
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dhūmena — by smoke
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āvriyate — is covered
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vahnir — fire
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yathādarśho — just as a mirror
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yathā — just as
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ādarśhaḥ — mirror
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malena — by dust
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cha — also
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yatholbenāvṛito — just as is covered by the womb
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yathā — just as
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ulbena — by the womb
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āvṛitaḥ — is covered
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garbhas — embryo
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tathā — similarly
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tenedam — this by that
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tena — by that (desire)
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idam — this
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āvṛitam — is covered
Krishna said: It is desire and it is anger, born of passion. It consumes and corrupts all things. Know this to be the enemy here. As fire is shrouded in smoke, a mirror covered by dust, and a fetus enveloped by the womb, so too is the universe enveloped by desire. Wisdom is concealed by desire - it is the enemy of the wise, insatiable like fire. The senses, mind, and intellect are its instruments, by which it deludes the soul and conceals its wisdom. Therefore, first control your senses and then slay this sinful thing which destroys knowledge and insight. It is said that the senses are powerful, but beyond the senses is the mind. Beyond the mind is the intellect, and beyond the intellect is the supreme self. Thus, knowing that which is higher than the intellect, and restraining the mind in Karma Yoga, slay this enemy who takes the form of desire - one who is difficult to overcome.
Similar verses
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Wisdom is concealed by desire - it is the enemy of the wise, insatiable like fire.
- Verse 3.39
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Behold the universe living in me, with all its moving and immovable things. Behold whatever else you desire to see!
- Verse 11.7
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Just as fire consumes the fuel, all actions are reduced to ashes in the fire of wisdom.
- Verse 4.37
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You devour the world on all sides with your flaming mouths. Your radiant glory fills the universe and scorches it, Vishnu!
- Verse 11.30
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I see you without beginning, middle, or end, infinite in power, with innumerable arms, the sun and moon as your eyes, and the blazing fire as your mouth, flooding the entire universe with light.
- Verse 11.19