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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

3.42 4.1

Bhagavad-gītā As It Is · Text 3.43

Lust, anger and mastery over senses

Jīva · The soul

एवं बुद्धेः परं बुद्ध्वा संस्तभ्यात्मानमात्मना ।

जहि शत्रुं महाबाहो कामरूपं दुरासदम् ॥ ४३ ॥

evaṁ buddheḥ paraṁ buddhvā

saṁstabhyātmānam ātmanā

jahi śatruṁ mahā-bāho

kāma-rūpaṁ durāsadam

Translation

Thus knowing oneself to be transcendental to the material senses, mind and intelligence, O mighty-armed Arjuna, one should steady the mind by deliberate spiritual intelligence [Kṛṣṇa consciousness] and thus – by spiritual strength – conquer this insatiable enemy known as lust.

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

Conquering Lust Through Kṛṣṇa Consciousness

1
Know yourself as beyond the material senses, mind and intelligence. Steady the mind through Kṛṣṇa consciousness and conquer lust by spiritual strength.
2
Prabhupāda explains that we are eternal servants of the Supreme Lord. Kṛṣṇa consciousness helps us control the senses, mind and intelligence.
3
Continue your prescribed duties while gradually developing Kṛṣṇa consciousness, rather than suddenly giving up work.

Key points from the purport

Steady the mind by deliberate spiritual intelligence (Krishna consciousness)

Knowing that the soul is higher than material senses, mind and intelligence, take strength to defeat the enemy

By spiritual strength conquer this insatiable enemy lust