III: 39

[Krishna Jaya]

Chapter 3, Verse 39

 

"Wisdom is destroyed, Arjuna,

By the constant enemy of the wise,

Which, flaring up as unskillful desire,

Blazes with flames insatiable.”

 

Paramahansa Yogananda:

 

"The materialist identifies with the body surfaces and is goaded to action by sense inclinations.  The wise watch and govern the mind processes with discernment.  Materialists do not understand the destructive power of unskillful desires.  They are consumed like the moth in the flame.  Watchful students are conscious whenever a spark of selfish desire starts to flare within.  They put out the fire at its first tantalizing flicker.”