Srimad Bhagavad Gita Shloka 3.37

Shloka 3.37: “Krishna said: It is desire, born of rajas, later becoming anger, the alldevouring enemy of sin.”

Key Teaching: Desire, rooted in rajas, transforms into anger and causes sin.

Theme: Guidance, Dharma, Karma Yoga.

500Word Description:
Krishna answers Arjuna (3.36), identifying desire, born of the rajas guna, which becomes anger, as the alldevouring enemy causing sin. This verse addresses Arjuna’s hesitation (2.9). The themes of guidance, as Krishna instructs, dharma, as he clarifies sin’s cause, and Karma Yoga, as he emphasizes overcoming desire, are central.

In the Mahabharata, Arjuna’s attachment to kin (1.26–27) fuels desiredriven grief. Krishna’s teaching contrasts with Duryodhana’s rajasdriven ambition (1.3–11), urging Arjuna to overcome desire to fulfill his Kshatriya duty, aligning with Karma Yoga (2.47, 2.62–63).

Philosophically, this verse addresses the human root of sin in desire, a theme Krishna refines with teachings on the gunas (3.27–28). Arjuna’s reluctance complicates his dharma, necessitating Krishna’s guidance to conquer desire. The theme of Karma Yoga underscores the Gita’s focus on disciplined action.

Sanjaya’s narration frames Krishna’s teaching objectively, emphasizing its clarity. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s temptations, where desire leads to ruin. Krishna’s teaching prepares readers for performing duty by overcoming desire, aligning with spiritual purity.