Topic

Lust

3 verses from the Bhagavad Gita on lust. Explore teachings across 2 chapters.

All Verses

Chapter 3 • Verse 37 →The Yoga of Action

Shri bhagavan uvaca: Kama esha krodha esha rajo-guna-samudbhavah, mahasano maha-papma viddhy enam iha vairinam

The Supreme Lord said: It is lust and anger, born of the mode of passion, that compel one to sin. They are the all-devouring, sinful enemies in this world.

•Lust and anger are the primary enemies
•They arise from passion and agitation
•Recognize them as obstacles to growth

anger passion obstacles enemies within

Chapter 16 • Verse 21 →The Yoga of the Divine and Demoniac Natures

Tri-vidham narakasyedam dvaram nashanam atmanah, kamah krodhas tatha lobhas tasmad etat trayam tyajet

There are three gates leading to self-destruction and hell: lust, anger, and greed. Therefore, one should abandon these three.

•Three primary obstacles identified
•They lead to downfall
•Must be consciously renounced

anger greed obstacles self-destruction

Chapter 3 • Verse 43 →The Yoga of Action

Evam buddheh param buddhva samstabhyatmanam atmana, jahi shatrum maha-baho kama-rupam durasadam

Thus knowing the soul to be superior to the material intellect, O mighty-armed Arjuna, subdue the self by the self and conquer lust, the formidable enemy.

•Use higher self to control lower self
•Lust is the formidable enemy
•Self-mastery through self-knowledge

self-control conquest higher self mastery