BHAGAVAD-GITA 3:38

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BHAGAVAD-GITA 3:38

 

dhumenavriyate vahnir

yathadarso malena ca

yatholbenavrto garbhas

tatha tenedam avrtam

 

WORD FOR WORD

 

dhumena--by smoke; avriyate--is covered; vahnih--fire; yatha--just as;

adarsah--mirror; malena--by dust; ca--also; yatha- just as; ulbena--by

the womb; avrtah--is covered; garbhah--embryo; tatha--so; tena--by

that lust; idam--this; avrtam--is covered.

 

TRANSLATION

 

As fire is covered by smoke, as a mirror is covered by dust, or as the

embryo is covered by the womb, the living entity is similarly covered

by different degrees of this lust.

 

PURPORT

 

There are three degrees of covering of the living entity by which his

pure consciousness is obscured. This covering is but lust under

different manifestations like smoke in the fire, dust on the mirror,

and the womb about the embryo. When lust is compared to smoke, it is

understood that the fire of the living spark can be a little

perceived. In other words, when the living entity exhibits his Krsna

consciousness slightly, he may be likened to the fire covered by

smoke. Although fire is necessary where there is smoke, there is no

overt manifestation of fire in the early stage. This stage is like the

beginning of Krsna consciousness. The dust on the mirror refers to a

cleansing process of the mirror of the mind by so many spiritual

methods. The best process is to chant the holy names of the Lord. The

embryo covered by the womb is an analogy illustrating a helpless

position, for the child in the womb is so helpless that he cannot even

move. This stage of living condition can be compared to that of the

trees. The trees are also living entities, but they have been put in

such a condition of life by such a great exhibition of lust that they

are almost void of all consciousness. The covered mirror is compared

to the birds and beasts, and the smoke-covered fire is compared to the

human being. In the form of a human being, the living entity may

revive a little Krsna consciousness, and, if he makes further

development, the fire of spiritual life can be kindled in the human

form of life. By careful handling of the smoke in the fire, fire can

be made to blaze. Therefore the human form of life is a chance for the

living entity to escape the entanglement of material existence. In the

human form of life, one can conquer the enemy, lust, by cultivation of

Krsna consciousness under able guidance.

 

Copyright 1983 The Bhaktivedanta Book Trust International. Used with

permission.