Srimad Bhagavad Gita Shloka 3.38

Shloka 3.38: “As fire is covered by smoke, a mirror by dust, or an embryo by the womb, so knowledge is covered by desire.”

Key Teaching: Desire obscures knowledge, like smoke, dust, or a womb.

Theme: Guidance, Dharma, Karma Yoga.

500Word Description:
Krishna compares desire’s obscuring of knowledge to smoke covering fire, dust on a mirror, or a womb enclosing an embryo. This verse, continuing 3.37, addresses Arjuna’s hesitation (2.9). The themes of guidance, as Krishna instructs, dharma, as he clarifies obstacles, and Karma Yoga, as he emphasizes overcoming desire, are central.

In the Mahabharata, Arjuna’s grief (1.26–27) clouds his judgment with desire. Krishna’s analogies contrast with Duryodhana’s obscured ambition (1.3–11), urging Arjuna to clear desire to fulfill his Kshatriya duty, aligning with Karma Yoga (2.47, 2.62–63).

Philosophically, this verse addresses the human obscuring of wisdom by desire, a theme Krishna refines with teachings on clarity (2.52). Arjuna’s reluctance complicates his dharma, necessitating Krishna’s guidance to remove desire’s veil. The theme of Karma Yoga underscores the Gita’s focus on clear action.

Sanjaya’s narration frames Krishna’s teaching objectively, emphasizing its vivid imagery. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s clouded judgment, where desire obscures truth. Krishna’s teaching prepares readers for performing duty with clear wisdom, free from desire’s veil.