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Chapter 3 · Karma-yoga · 43 verses

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How to study this verse, in six steps

1Remember who is speaking. Kṛṣṇa is speaking. Take the verse as He directs.
2Say the verse and its words. Read the Sanskrit, then each word with its meaning.
3Read the translation as it is. Let the translation say what it says, without adding your own meaning.
4Read the purport. Hear the verse through the disciplic succession.
5Bring your own question. Ask: where does this verse meet my life, my trouble, my doubt?
6Act on it, remembering Kṛṣṇa. Carry one instruction into your work today.

Read the full guide: how to read the Bhagavad-gītā ›

Mind & yogaChapter 3 · Karma-yoga

3.40 3.42

Bhagavad-gītā As It Is · Text 3.41

Lust, anger and mastery over senses

Prakṛti · Material nature

तस्मात्त्वमिन्द्रियाण्यादौ नियम्य भरतर्षभ ।

पाप्मानं प्रजहि ह्येनं ज्ञानविज्ञाननाशनम् ॥ ४१ ॥

tasmāt tvam indriyāṇy ādau

niyamya bharatarṣabha

pāpmānaṁ prajahi hy enaṁ

jñāna-vijñāna-nāśanam

Translation

Therefore, O Arjuna, best of the Bhāratas, in the very beginning curb this great symbol of sin [lust] by regulating the senses, and slay this destroyer of knowledge and self-realization.

Read Śrīla Prabhupāda's purport on Vedabase.io

Understand it

What this verse is saying, and where it sits in the story.

3 study points

Turn Lust into Love

1
Regulate the senses from the beginning to overcome lust, which destroys knowledge and self-realization.
2
Prabhupāda explains that we are spirit souls, not bodies, and parts of the Lord meant to serve Him. Lust is a distorted reflection of our natural love for God.
3
Begin regulating your senses through devotional service in Kṛṣṇa consciousness. Even a late beginner can turn lust into love of God.

Key points from the purport

Regulate the senses — Since the senses are the weakest, they are the easiest to begin conquering lust with. Therefore destroy lust in senses by following religious regulations

Lust as destroyer of ‘jnana’ (knowledge) and ‘vijnana’ (self-realisation)