Chapter 3 · Karma Yoga - The Yoga of Selfless ActionKrishna
Verse 43
श्रीमद्भगवद्गीता अध्याय 3, श्लोक 43
Sanskrit Shloka (श्लोक)
एवं बुद्धेः परं बुद्ध्वा संस्तभ्यात्मानमात्मना।
जहि शत्रुं महाबाहो कामरूपं दुरासदम्॥४३॥
Transliteration
Evam Buddheh Param Buddhva Samstabhya-Atmanam-Atmana.
Jahi Shatrum Maha-Baho Kama-Rupam Durasadam.||43||
Word-by-Word Meaning (अन्वय)
एवम्evamthus
बुद्धेःbuddhehthan the intellect
परम्paramsuperior
बुद्ध्वाbuddhvaknowing
संस्तभ्यsamstabhyasteadying/establishing
आत्मानम्atmanamthe self (mind)
आत्मनाatmanaby the Self
जहिjahislay/conquer
शत्रुम्shatrumthe enemy
महाबाहोmaha-bahoO mighty-armed one
कामरूपम्kama-rupamin the form of desire
दुरासदम्durasadamdifficult to conquer
Hindi Translation (हिन्दी अर्थ)
इस प्रकार बुद्धि से परे (आत्मा को) जानकर, आत्मा द्वारा मन को स्थिर करके — हे महाबाहो! इस कामरूपी दुर्जय शत्रु को जीत।
English Translation
Thus, knowing that which is beyond the intellect, and steadying the mind by the strength of the Self, O mighty-armed one, conquer this formidable enemy in the form of desire.
Commentary (टीका)
The concluding verse of Chapter 3 provides the ultimate solution to the problem of desire. By realizing the Atman — which is beyond body, senses, mind, and even intellect — and establishing oneself in that awareness, one gains the strength to conquer desire. The Self is the supreme commander that can subdue even the most formidable inner enemies. This is the crowning teaching of Karma Yoga.