Bhagavad Gita Chapter 3, Verse 41

English Translation

Therefore, O scion of the Bharata dynasty, after first controlling the organs, renounce this one [A variant reading is, 'prajahi hi-enam, completely renounce this one'.-Tr.] which is sinful and a destroyer of learning and wisdom.

Detailed Commentary

।।3.41।। Explanation – "Tasmāt tvam indriyāṇy ādau niyamya Bharatarṣabha" – The *indriyas* (senses) are to be used not for the desire of enjoyment, but only for essential actions. This means the *indriyas* should have neither attachment nor aversion to their objects. To destroy *kāma* (lust/desire), the regulation of the *indriyas* is necessary first. As long as an individual is subservient to the *indriyas*, they cannot perceive the Truth. Without experiencing the Truth, *kāma* is not destroyed. The *indriyas* alone mislead a person, giving rise to desires. These desires motivate actions, which become the cause of downfall. However, the person who controls the *indriyas* and acts with *niṣkāma bhāva* (desireless attitude) attains liberation. "Enam jñāna-vijñāna-nāśanam" – Here, *jñāna* means *viveka* (discretion, the ability to discern duty from non-duty) and *vijñāna* means *tattva-jñāna* (knowledge of the ultimate truth, experience-based knowledge). *Viveka* and *tattva-jñāna* are self-evident. Everyone experiences *viveka*, but not *tattva-jñāna*. Arjuna's question also proves that humans possess *viveka* and do not wish to commit sin. But *kāma* (desire) obscures *viveka*. Therefore, a person makes mistakes without considering the consequences. Desires conceal *viveka* and do not allow it to manifest. This is why *kāma* is described as the destroyer of *jñāna* and *vijñāna*. However, it actually conceals, it does not destroy. A person entangled in sensory pleasures does not care about right or wrong. The Gita states that *kāmanā* (desire) is the root of sins, therefore the Lord commands its eradication. *Kāmanā* entangles a person in the cycle of birth and death (*janma-maraṇa*). Therefore, the Lord says it should be eradicated. Desire arises from attraction to *jaḍa Prakṛti* (insentient nature), which suppresses *viveka*. The *indriyas* lead towards pleasure, and the person begins to desire material things. Then they become trapped in the desire for wealth and the tendency to accumulate it. In this cycle, the person engages in lies, deceit, etc., and falls into *abhimāna* (ego/pride). Thus, desire leads to downfall. Therefore, the Lord commands the destruction of this sinful *kāma*.