Chapter 3, Verse 37
श्रीभगवानुवाच | काम एष क्रोध एष रजोगुणसमुद्भव: || महाशनो महापाप्मा विद्ध्येनमिह वैरिणम् ॥37॥
śrī-bhagavān uvāca | kāma eṣa krodha eṣa rajo-guṇa-samudbhavaḥ || mahāśano mahā-pāpmā viddhy enam iha vairiṇam || 37 ||
"The Blessed Lord said: It is lust, it is anger, born of the mode of passion (rajo-guna); it is all-devouring and extremely sinful. Know this to be the enemy here in the world."
Key Insight:
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 3.37 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 3.37 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
Detailed Meaning
Lord Krishna identifies 'Kāma' (lust/desire) and 'Krodha' (anger) as the primary obstacles for the soul. Both are born from 'Rajo-guna' (the mode of passion). Krishna describes desire as 'Mahāśanaḥ' (all-devouring) because it can never be satiated; like fire fed by fuel, it only grows. When desire is obstructed, it transforms into anger. This duo leads a person to commit 'Pāpa' (sinful acts), acting as the internal 'Vairi' (enemy) that obscures one's true nature and wisdom.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core message of Gita 3.37?
The Blessed Lord said: It is lust, it is anger, born of the mode of passion (rajo-guna); it is all-devouring and extremely sinful. Know this to be the enemy here in the world.