III: 38

[Krishna Jaya]

Chapter 3, Verse 38

 

"Wisdom is clouded by desire

As fire by smoke,

As a mirror by dust,

And as an unborn babe

By its covering."

 

Paramahansa Yogananda:

 

"When the soul's pure nature is hidden behind Sattvic (harmonious) attributes, as a fire is covered by smoke, the veil is easily dispersed by a fresh breeze of discernment.  Even through this screen, the soul's dazzling joy can be partially experienced.  The wise one looks beyond harmonious attributes, distinguishing their paleness from the brilliance of the Self.  Goodness brings a semi-permanent mental happiness, but Self-realization imparts unending, changeless joy.  When the Rajasic, frenetic qualities dim the soul's splendor, as dust obscures a mirror, the cloth of continuous skillful effort is required to wipe off the cumulative covering of restless desire.  It is more difficult to remove the layer of fretful desire from the soul than it is to disperse the smoke of Sattvic qualities.  When the Tamasic, inertia-like attributes are paramount, the soul is hampered, darkened and hidden as an embryo in the womb.  It is most difficult and time-consuming to release it from the Tamasic qualities of laziness and sloth."

 

Sri Eknath Easwaran:

 

"If you try to use a mirror clouded by dust, you will not be able to see yourself at all.  If you exercise no discernment regarding what you eat, what you read, what you say, and what you think about, you will not be able to experience the Self at all.  You will see only the body, not the dweller within, only the house, not the resident.  When the bakery displays all kinds of cakes in the window, try an experiment and say to yourself, 'I will not get trapped in them.'  When the department stores advertise the latest fashions, try this on for size: 'I will not get trapped here either.'  By making choices like these, you will gradually rise above physical consciousness.  The Lord is always present, but it is we who bring all kinds of covers to hide the glory.  Wherever we go, we bring home some cover to conceal the light.  Krishna is telling Arjuna, 'Instead of bringing more covers home, instead of adding to your burden, begin to remove them one at a time.'"