Do not give up work and prescribed duties all of a sudden.
Greatest enemy of conditioned soul – Desire for over-lording and for sense gratification, which are manifestations of lust.
Gradually develop Krishna consciousness and then one can be situated in a transcendental position unaffected by mind and senses – by the help of steady intelligence directed towards one’s pure identity.
Chapter 3 is conclusively directed towards Krishna consciousness by knowing oneself as the eternal servitor of the Supreme Personality of Godhead and not the impersonal voidness as the ultimate end.
(b) In Immature stage – ‘philosophical speculations’ and ‘artificial attempts to control senses by yoga’ fails to help
Recommendation: One must be trained in Krishna Consciousness by higher intelligence
SUMMARISED THEME 3D
CONCLUSION – HOW TO FIGHT LUST (3.40 – 3.43)
Regulate senses
Because the intelligence and mind are difficult to control, one begins by regulating the senses
How to regulate the senses o By devotional service according to sastra o Under guru’s direction
Engage soul in Krishna consciousness
One can attack the lust in mind and intelligence by contemplating that he is spiritual, superior to the dictates of the senses, mind and intelligence. He can thus practice acting on the platform of spiritual desire (Krishna consciousness) rather than material lust.
Intelligence is strengthened
Mind is engaged in Krishna consciousness
Mind engages senses which become serpents with broken fangs (Analogy
The senses are different outlets for the activities of lust
(b) Solution to the whole problem
Understand the constitution of the soul and engage in the direct connection with Krishna in Krishna-Consciousness.
In Krishna Consciousness – these outlets (senses) are not in use to exhibit lust.
(c) Only stoppage of bodily action does not help
Bodily action means function of the senses and stopping the senses means stopping all bodily action
But the mind is always active, even though the body may be silent e.g. dreaming
Therefore the soul has to be directly engaged with the Supreme, then all other subordinates (intelligence, mind etc) follow o Ref. Katha Upanisad: Soul is referred to as “mahan” because superior to all, senses, mind and intelligence o Ref. Bg. 2.59: “param drstva nivartate…” – Higher taste
(d) Solution to the whole problem
Directly understanding the constitutional position of soul is the real solution
By complete surrender unto the Supreme Personality of Godhead o By intelligence one engages the mind in Krishna consciousness o Analogy: Even though the senses are very strong like serpents, they will no more effective than serpents with broken fangs
(e) CAUTION! Even though the soul is the master of intelligence and mind, and the senses also, still, unless it is strengthed by association with Krishna in Krishna consciousness, there is every chance of falling down due to the agitated mind.
Text 3.43
THEME : Steady the mind by deliberate spiritual intelligence (Krishna consciousness)
Knowing that the soul is higher than material senses, mind and intelligence, take strength to defeat the enemy
By spiritual strength conquer this insatiable enemy lust
IMPORTANT POINTS :
Images of lust arise in the mind and attack the intelligence. If defeated, the intelligence is commandeered to make plans for fulfilling the lusty desires of the mind.
Thus lust enters through the senses and conquers the mind and intelligence.
Learnings from Purport 3.43
(a) Essence of Chapter 3
Do not give up work and prescribed duties all of a sudden.
Greatest enemy of conditioned soul – Desire for over-lording and for sense gratification, which are manifestations of lust.
Gradually develop Krishna consciousness and then one can be situated in a transcendental position unaffected by mind and senses – by the help of steady intelligence directed towards one’s pure identity.
Chapter 3 is conclusively directed towards Krishna consciousness by knowing oneself as the eternal servitor of the Supreme Personality of Godhead and not the impersonal voidness as the ultimate end.
(b) In Immature stage – ‘philosophical speculations’ and ‘artificial attempts to control senses by yoga’ fails to help
Recommendation: One must be trained in Krishna Consciousness by higher intelligence
SUMMARISED THEME 3D
CONCLUSION – HOW TO FIGHT LUST (3.40 – 3.43)
Regulate senses
Because the intelligence and mind are difficult to control, one begins by regulating the senses
How to regulate the senses o By devotional service according to sastra o Under guru’s direction
Engage soul in Krishna consciousness
One can attack the lust in mind and intelligence by contemplating that he is spiritual, superior to the dictates of the senses, mind and intelligence. He can thus practice acting on the platform of spiritual desire (Krishna consciousness) rather than material lust.
Intelligence is strengthened
Mind is engaged in Krishna consciousness
Mind engages senses which become serpents with broken fangs (Analogy
The senses are different outlets for the activities of lust
(b) Solution to the whole problem
Understand the constitution of the soul and engage in the direct connection with Krishna in Krishna-Consciousness.
In Krishna Consciousness – these outlets (senses) are not in use to exhibit lust.
(c) Only stoppage of bodily action does not help
Bodily action means function of the senses and stopping the senses means stopping all bodily action
But the mind is always active, even though the body may be silent e.g. dreaming
Therefore the soul has to be directly engaged with the Supreme, then all other subordinates (intelligence, mind etc) follow o Ref. Katha Upanisad: Soul is referred to as “mahan” because superior to all, senses, mind and intelligence o Ref. Bg. 2.59: “param drstva nivartate…” – Higher taste
(d) Solution to the whole problem
Directly understanding the constitutional position of soul is the real solution
By complete surrender unto the Supreme Personality of Godhead o By intelligence one engages the mind in Krishna consciousness o Analogy: Even though the senses are very strong like serpents, they will no more effective than serpents with broken fangs
(e) CAUTION! Even though the soul is the master of intelligence and mind, and the senses also, still, unless it is strengthed by association with Krishna in Krishna consciousness, there is every chance of falling down due to the agitated mind.
Text 3.43
THEME : Steady the mind by deliberate spiritual intelligence (Krishna consciousness)
Knowing that the soul is higher than material senses, mind and intelligence, take strength to defeat the enemy
By spiritual strength conquer this insatiable enemy lust
IMPORTANT POINTS :
Images of lust arise in the mind and attack the intelligence. If defeated, the intelligence is commandeered to make plans for fulfilling the lusty desires of the mind.
Thus lust enters through the senses and conquers the mind and intelligence.
Learnings from Purport 3.43
(a) Essence of Chapter 3
Do not give up work and prescribed duties all of a sudden.
Greatest enemy of conditioned soul – Desire for over-lording and for sense gratification, which are manifestations of lust.
Gradually develop Krishna consciousness and then one can be situated in a transcendental position unaffected by mind and senses – by the help of steady intelligence directed towards one’s pure identity.
Chapter 3 is conclusively directed towards Krishna consciousness by knowing oneself as the eternal servitor of the Supreme Personality of Godhead and not the impersonal voidness as the ultimate end.
(b) In Immature stage – ‘philosophical speculations’ and ‘artificial attempts to control senses by yoga’ fails to help
Recommendation: One must be trained in Krishna Consciousness by higher intelligence
SUMMARISED THEME 3D
CONCLUSION – HOW TO FIGHT LUST (3.40 – 3.43)
Regulate senses
Because the intelligence and mind are difficult to control, one begins by regulating the senses
How to regulate the senses o By devotional service according to sastra o Under guru’s direction
Engage soul in Krishna consciousness
One can attack the lust in mind and intelligence by contemplating that he is spiritual, superior to the dictates of the senses, mind and intelligence. He can thus practice acting on the platform of spiritual desire (Krishna consciousness) rather than material lust.
Intelligence is strengthened
Mind is engaged in Krishna consciousness
Mind engages senses which become serpents with broken fangs (Analogy
Jnana – Knowledge of the self as distinguished from the non-self
Vijnana – Specific knowledge of the spirit soul’s constitutional position and his relationship to the Supreme Soul
(b) Learn Krishna Consciousness from Bhagavad-gita
Ref. SB 2.9.31: “The knowledge of self and Superself is very confidential and has to be understood as explained by the Lord Himself”
What is Krishna Consciousness based on Bhagavad-gita? o Living entities are part and parcel of the Lord, and simply meant to serve the Lord
(c) Krishna consciousness protect love from deteriorating into lust
Lust is only the perverted reflection of ‘Love of God’, which is natural for every living entity
Krishna conscious education from the very beginning prevents that natural love from deteriorating into lust
When ‘love of God’ deteriorates into lust, it is very difficult to return to the normal condition.
(d) Power of Krishna Consciousness – ‘Even a late beginner benefits and can become a lover of God by following the regulative principles of devotional service.
SUMMARISED THEME 3C
CHARACTERISTICS OF LUST (3.37 – 3.41)
Born of mode of passion (3.37)
Changes into wrath (born of the mode of ignorance) (3.37)
Forces us to act sinfully (3.37)
All-devouring greatest enemy of living entity (3.37)
Covers the living entity’s pure consciousness (3.38)
As smoke covers fire
Mirror covered by dust
Embryo covered by womb
Lust is never satisfied, like fire (3.39)
Sitting places of lust – Senses, Mind and Intelligence (3.40)
Covers jnana (knowledge) and vijana (self-realisation) (3.41)
Text 3.42
THEME : Hierarchy of sitting places of lust
Working senses are superior to dull matter
Mind is higher than the senses
Intelligence is higher than the mind
Soul is higher than the intelligence
Learnings from Purport 3.42
(a) Senses are superior to matter, because
The senses are different outlets for the activities of lust
(b) Solution to the whole problem
Understand the constitution of the soul and engage in the direct connection with Krishna in Krishna-Consciousness.
In Krishna Consciousness – these outlets (senses) are not in use to exhibit lust.
(c) Only stoppage of bodily action does not help
Bodily action means function of the senses and stopping the senses means stopping all bodily action
But the mind is always active, even though the body may be silent e.g. dreaming
Therefore the soul has to be directly engaged with the Supreme, then all other subordinates (intelligence, mind etc) follow o Ref. Katha Upanisad: Soul is referred to as “mahan” because superior to all, senses, mind and intelligence o Ref. Bg. 2.59: “param drstva nivartate…” – Higher taste
(d) Solution to the whole problem
Directly understanding the constitutional position of soul is the real solution
By complete surrender unto the Supreme Personality of Godhead o By intelligence one engages the mind in Krishna consciousness o Analogy: Even though the senses are very strong like serpents, they will no more effective than serpents with broken fangs
(e) CAUTION! Even though the soul is the master of intelligence and mind, and the senses also, still, unless it is strengthed by association with Krishna in Krishna consciousness, there is every chance of falling down due to the agitated mind.
Text 3.43
THEME : Steady the mind by deliberate spiritual intelligence (Krishna consciousness)
Knowing that the soul is higher than material senses, mind and intelligence, take strength to defeat the enemy
By spiritual strength conquer this insatiable enemy lust
IMPORTANT POINTS :
Images of lust arise in the mind and attack the intelligence. If defeated, the intelligence is commandeered to make plans for fulfilling the lusty desires of the mind.
Thus lust enters through the senses and conquers the mind and intelligence.
Learnings from Purport 3.43
(a) Essence of Chapter 3
Do not give up work and prescribed duties all of a sudden.
Greatest enemy of conditioned soul – Desire for over-lording and for sense gratification, which are manifestations of lust.
Gradually develop Krishna consciousness and then one can be situated in a transcendental position unaffected by mind and senses – by the help of steady intelligence directed towards one’s pure identity.
Chapter 3 is conclusively directed towards Krishna consciousness by knowing oneself as the eternal servitor of the Supreme Personality of Godhead and not the impersonal voidness as the ultimate end.
(b) In Immature stage – ‘philosophical speculations’ and ‘artificial attempts to control senses by yoga’ fails to help
Recommendation: One must be trained in Krishna Consciousness by higher intelligence
SUMMARISED THEME 3D
CONCLUSION – HOW TO FIGHT LUST (3.40 – 3.43)
Regulate senses
Because the intelligence and mind are difficult to control, one begins by regulating the senses
How to regulate the senses o By devotional service according to sastra o Under guru’s direction
Engage soul in Krishna consciousness
One can attack the lust in mind and intelligence by contemplating that he is spiritual, superior to the dictates of the senses, mind and intelligence. He can thus practice acting on the platform of spiritual desire (Krishna consciousness) rather than material lust.
Intelligence is strengthened
Mind is engaged in Krishna consciousness
Mind engages senses which become serpents with broken fangs (Analogy
Jnana – Knowledge of the self as distinguished from the non-self
Vijnana – Specific knowledge of the spirit soul’s constitutional position and his relationship to the Supreme Soul
(b) Learn Krishna Consciousness from Bhagavad-gita
Ref. SB 2.9.31: “The knowledge of self and Superself is very confidential and has to be understood as explained by the Lord Himself”
What is Krishna Consciousness based on Bhagavad-gita? o Living entities are part and parcel of the Lord, and simply meant to serve the Lord
(c) Krishna consciousness protect love from deteriorating into lust
Lust is only the perverted reflection of ‘Love of God’, which is natural for every living entity
Krishna conscious education from the very beginning prevents that natural love from deteriorating into lust
When ‘love of God’ deteriorates into lust, it is very difficult to return to the normal condition.
(d) Power of Krishna Consciousness – ‘Even a late beginner benefits and can become a lover of God by following the regulative principles of devotional service.
SUMMARISED THEME 3C
CHARACTERISTICS OF LUST (3.37 – 3.41)
Born of mode of passion (3.37)
Changes into wrath (born of the mode of ignorance) (3.37)
Forces us to act sinfully (3.37)
All-devouring greatest enemy of living entity (3.37)
Covers the living entity’s pure consciousness (3.38)
As smoke covers fire
Mirror covered by dust
Embryo covered by womb
Lust is never satisfied, like fire (3.39)
Sitting places of lust – Senses, Mind and Intelligence (3.40)
Covers jnana (knowledge) and vijana (self-realisation) (3.41)
Text 3.42
THEME : Hierarchy of sitting places of lust
Working senses are superior to dull matter
Mind is higher than the senses
Intelligence is higher than the mind
Soul is higher than the intelligence
Learnings from Purport 3.42
(a) Senses are superior to matter, because
The senses are different outlets for the activities of lust
(b) Solution to the whole problem
Understand the constitution of the soul and engage in the direct connection with Krishna in Krishna-Consciousness.
In Krishna Consciousness – these outlets (senses) are not in use to exhibit lust.
(c) Only stoppage of bodily action does not help
Bodily action means function of the senses and stopping the senses means stopping all bodily action
But the mind is always active, even though the body may be silent e.g. dreaming
Therefore the soul has to be directly engaged with the Supreme, then all other subordinates (intelligence, mind etc) follow o Ref. Katha Upanisad: Soul is referred to as “mahan” because superior to all, senses, mind and intelligence o Ref. Bg. 2.59: “param drstva nivartate…” – Higher taste
(d) Solution to the whole problem
Directly understanding the constitutional position of soul is the real solution
By complete surrender unto the Supreme Personality of Godhead o By intelligence one engages the mind in Krishna consciousness o Analogy: Even though the senses are very strong like serpents, they will no more effective than serpents with broken fangs
(e) CAUTION! Even though the soul is the master of intelligence and mind, and the senses also, still, unless it is strengthed by association with Krishna in Krishna consciousness, there is every chance of falling down due to the agitated mind.
Text 3.43
THEME : Steady the mind by deliberate spiritual intelligence (Krishna consciousness)
Knowing that the soul is higher than material senses, mind and intelligence, take strength to defeat the enemy
By spiritual strength conquer this insatiable enemy lust
IMPORTANT POINTS :
Images of lust arise in the mind and attack the intelligence. If defeated, the intelligence is commandeered to make plans for fulfilling the lusty desires of the mind.
Thus lust enters through the senses and conquers the mind and intelligence.
Learnings from Purport 3.43
(a) Essence of Chapter 3
Do not give up work and prescribed duties all of a sudden.
Greatest enemy of conditioned soul – Desire for over-lording and for sense gratification, which are manifestations of lust.
Gradually develop Krishna consciousness and then one can be situated in a transcendental position unaffected by mind and senses – by the help of steady intelligence directed towards one’s pure identity.
Chapter 3 is conclusively directed towards Krishna consciousness by knowing oneself as the eternal servitor of the Supreme Personality of Godhead and not the impersonal voidness as the ultimate end.
(b) In Immature stage – ‘philosophical speculations’ and ‘artificial attempts to control senses by yoga’ fails to help
Recommendation: One must be trained in Krishna Consciousness by higher intelligence
SUMMARISED THEME 3D
CONCLUSION – HOW TO FIGHT LUST (3.40 – 3.43)
Regulate senses
Because the intelligence and mind are difficult to control, one begins by regulating the senses
How to regulate the senses o By devotional service according to sastra o Under guru’s direction
Engage soul in Krishna consciousness
One can attack the lust in mind and intelligence by contemplating that he is spiritual, superior to the dictates of the senses, mind and intelligence. He can thus practice acting on the platform of spiritual desire (Krishna consciousness) rather than material lust.
Intelligence is strengthened
Mind is engaged in Krishna consciousness
Mind engages senses which become serpents with broken fangs (Analogy
(a) What are the repositories of lust – Mind and the senses
(b) Mind as center of all sense activities – Reservoir of ideas of sense gratification
(c) Intelligence – Capital and next-door neighbor
(d) Intelligence influences the spirit soul – How?
Lusty intelligence influences the spirit soul to acquire the false ego and identify itself with matter, and thus with the mind and senses
Spirit soul becomes addicted to enjoying the material senses and mistakes this as true happiness.
(e) False identification: Manifested in various ways (Ref. SB 10.84.13)
Identifying the body made of three elements with one’s own self
Considering the by-products of the body to be his kinsmen
Considering the land of birth worshipable
Goes to place of pilgrimage simply to take a bath rather than meet men of transcendental knowledge.
Text 3.41
THEME : Regulate the senses – Since the senses are the weakest, they are the easiest to begin conquering lust with. Therefore destroy lust in senses by following religious regulations.
Lust as destroyer of ‘jnana’ (knowledge) and ‘vijnana’ (self-realisation)
IMPORTANT POINTS :
One’s senses are influenced by lust when he feels attracted to pleasure and repulsed by pain.
The senses send images of desirable and undesirable objects to the mind.
Learnings from Purport 3.41
(a) What is ‘jnana’ and ‘vijnana’
Jnana – Knowledge of the self as distinguished from the non-self
Vijnana – Specific knowledge of the spirit soul’s constitutional position and his relationship to the Supreme Soul
(b) Learn Krishna Consciousness from Bhagavad-gita
Ref. SB 2.9.31: “The knowledge of self and Superself is very confidential and has to be understood as explained by the Lord Himself”
What is Krishna Consciousness based on Bhagavad-gita? o Living entities are part and parcel of the Lord, and simply meant to serve the Lord
(c) Krishna consciousness protect love from deteriorating into lust
Lust is only the perverted reflection of ‘Love of God’, which is natural for every living entity
Krishna conscious education from the very beginning prevents that natural love from deteriorating into lust
When ‘love of God’ deteriorates into lust, it is very difficult to return to the normal condition.
(d) Power of Krishna Consciousness – ‘Even a late beginner benefits and can become a lover of God by following the regulative principles of devotional service.
SUMMARISED THEME 3C
CHARACTERISTICS OF LUST (3.37 – 3.41)
Born of mode of passion (3.37)
Changes into wrath (born of the mode of ignorance) (3.37)
Forces us to act sinfully (3.37)
All-devouring greatest enemy of living entity (3.37)
Covers the living entity’s pure consciousness (3.38)
As smoke covers fire
Mirror covered by dust
Embryo covered by womb
Lust is never satisfied, like fire (3.39)
Sitting places of lust – Senses, Mind and Intelligence (3.40)
Covers jnana (knowledge) and vijana (self-realisation) (3.41)
Text 3.42
THEME : Hierarchy of sitting places of lust
Working senses are superior to dull matter
Mind is higher than the senses
Intelligence is higher than the mind
Soul is higher than the intelligence
Learnings from Purport 3.42
(a) Senses are superior to matter, because
The senses are different outlets for the activities of lust
(b) Solution to the whole problem
Understand the constitution of the soul and engage in the direct connection with Krishna in Krishna-Consciousness.
In Krishna Consciousness – these outlets (senses) are not in use to exhibit lust.
(c) Only stoppage of bodily action does not help
Bodily action means function of the senses and stopping the senses means stopping all bodily action
But the mind is always active, even though the body may be silent e.g. dreaming
Therefore the soul has to be directly engaged with the Supreme, then all other subordinates (intelligence, mind etc) follow o Ref. Katha Upanisad: Soul is referred to as “mahan” because superior to all, senses, mind and intelligence o Ref. Bg. 2.59: “param drstva nivartate…” – Higher taste
(d) Solution to the whole problem
Directly understanding the constitutional position of soul is the real solution
By complete surrender unto the Supreme Personality of Godhead o By intelligence one engages the mind in Krishna consciousness o Analogy: Even though the senses are very strong like serpents, they will no more effective than serpents with broken fangs
(e) CAUTION! Even though the soul is the master of intelligence and mind, and the senses also, still, unless it is strengthed by association with Krishna in Krishna consciousness, there is every chance of falling down due to the agitated mind.
Text 3.43
THEME : Steady the mind by deliberate spiritual intelligence (Krishna consciousness)
Knowing that the soul is higher than material senses, mind and intelligence, take strength to defeat the enemy
By spiritual strength conquer this insatiable enemy lust
IMPORTANT POINTS :
Images of lust arise in the mind and attack the intelligence. If defeated, the intelligence is commandeered to make plans for fulfilling the lusty desires of the mind.
Thus lust enters through the senses and conquers the mind and intelligence.
Learnings from Purport 3.43
(a) Essence of Chapter 3
Do not give up work and prescribed duties all of a sudden.
Greatest enemy of conditioned soul – Desire for over-lording and for sense gratification, which are manifestations of lust.
Gradually develop Krishna consciousness and then one can be situated in a transcendental position unaffected by mind and senses – by the help of steady intelligence directed towards one’s pure identity.
Chapter 3 is conclusively directed towards Krishna consciousness by knowing oneself as the eternal servitor of the Supreme Personality of Godhead and not the impersonal voidness as the ultimate end.
(b) In Immature stage – ‘philosophical speculations’ and ‘artificial attempts to control senses by yoga’ fails to help
Recommendation: One must be trained in Krishna Consciousness by higher intelligence
SUMMARISED THEME 3D
CONCLUSION – HOW TO FIGHT LUST (3.40 – 3.43)
Regulate senses
Because the intelligence and mind are difficult to control, one begins by regulating the senses
How to regulate the senses o By devotional service according to sastra o Under guru’s direction
Engage soul in Krishna consciousness
One can attack the lust in mind and intelligence by contemplating that he is spiritual, superior to the dictates of the senses, mind and intelligence. He can thus practice acting on the platform of spiritual desire (Krishna consciousness) rather than material lust.
Intelligence is strengthened
Mind is engaged in Krishna consciousness
Mind engages senses which become serpents with broken fangs (Analogy
(a) What are the repositories of lust – Mind and the senses
(b) Mind as center of all sense activities – Reservoir of ideas of sense gratification
(c) Intelligence – Capital and next-door neighbor
(d) Intelligence influences the spirit soul – How?
Lusty intelligence influences the spirit soul to acquire the false ego and identify itself with matter, and thus with the mind and senses
Spirit soul becomes addicted to enjoying the material senses and mistakes this as true happiness.
(e) False identification: Manifested in various ways (Ref. SB 10.84.13)
Identifying the body made of three elements with one’s own self
Considering the by-products of the body to be his kinsmen
Considering the land of birth worshipable
Goes to place of pilgrimage simply to take a bath rather than meet men of transcendental knowledge.
Text 3.41
THEME : Regulate the senses – Since the senses are the weakest, they are the easiest to begin conquering lust with. Therefore destroy lust in senses by following religious regulations.
Lust as destroyer of ‘jnana’ (knowledge) and ‘vijnana’ (self-realisation)
IMPORTANT POINTS :
One’s senses are influenced by lust when he feels attracted to pleasure and repulsed by pain.
The senses send images of desirable and undesirable objects to the mind.
Learnings from Purport 3.41
(a) What is ‘jnana’ and ‘vijnana’
Jnana – Knowledge of the self as distinguished from the non-self
Vijnana – Specific knowledge of the spirit soul’s constitutional position and his relationship to the Supreme Soul
(b) Learn Krishna Consciousness from Bhagavad-gita
Ref. SB 2.9.31: “The knowledge of self and Superself is very confidential and has to be understood as explained by the Lord Himself”
What is Krishna Consciousness based on Bhagavad-gita? o Living entities are part and parcel of the Lord, and simply meant to serve the Lord
(c) Krishna consciousness protect love from deteriorating into lust
Lust is only the perverted reflection of ‘Love of God’, which is natural for every living entity
Krishna conscious education from the very beginning prevents that natural love from deteriorating into lust
When ‘love of God’ deteriorates into lust, it is very difficult to return to the normal condition.
(d) Power of Krishna Consciousness – ‘Even a late beginner benefits and can become a lover of God by following the regulative principles of devotional service.
SUMMARISED THEME 3C
CHARACTERISTICS OF LUST (3.37 – 3.41)
Born of mode of passion (3.37)
Changes into wrath (born of the mode of ignorance) (3.37)
Forces us to act sinfully (3.37)
All-devouring greatest enemy of living entity (3.37)
Covers the living entity’s pure consciousness (3.38)
As smoke covers fire
Mirror covered by dust
Embryo covered by womb
Lust is never satisfied, like fire (3.39)
Sitting places of lust – Senses, Mind and Intelligence (3.40)
Covers jnana (knowledge) and vijana (self-realisation) (3.41)
Text 3.42
THEME : Hierarchy of sitting places of lust
Working senses are superior to dull matter
Mind is higher than the senses
Intelligence is higher than the mind
Soul is higher than the intelligence
Learnings from Purport 3.42
(a) Senses are superior to matter, because
The senses are different outlets for the activities of lust
(b) Solution to the whole problem
Understand the constitution of the soul and engage in the direct connection with Krishna in Krishna-Consciousness.
In Krishna Consciousness – these outlets (senses) are not in use to exhibit lust.
(c) Only stoppage of bodily action does not help
Bodily action means function of the senses and stopping the senses means stopping all bodily action
But the mind is always active, even though the body may be silent e.g. dreaming
Therefore the soul has to be directly engaged with the Supreme, then all other subordinates (intelligence, mind etc) follow o Ref. Katha Upanisad: Soul is referred to as “mahan” because superior to all, senses, mind and intelligence o Ref. Bg. 2.59: “param drstva nivartate…” – Higher taste
(d) Solution to the whole problem
Directly understanding the constitutional position of soul is the real solution
By complete surrender unto the Supreme Personality of Godhead o By intelligence one engages the mind in Krishna consciousness o Analogy: Even though the senses are very strong like serpents, they will no more effective than serpents with broken fangs
(e) CAUTION! Even though the soul is the master of intelligence and mind, and the senses also, still, unless it is strengthed by association with Krishna in Krishna consciousness, there is every chance of falling down due to the agitated mind.
Text 3.43
THEME : Steady the mind by deliberate spiritual intelligence (Krishna consciousness)
Knowing that the soul is higher than material senses, mind and intelligence, take strength to defeat the enemy
By spiritual strength conquer this insatiable enemy lust
IMPORTANT POINTS :
Images of lust arise in the mind and attack the intelligence. If defeated, the intelligence is commandeered to make plans for fulfilling the lusty desires of the mind.
Thus lust enters through the senses and conquers the mind and intelligence.
Learnings from Purport 3.43
(a) Essence of Chapter 3
Do not give up work and prescribed duties all of a sudden.
Greatest enemy of conditioned soul – Desire for over-lording and for sense gratification, which are manifestations of lust.
Gradually develop Krishna consciousness and then one can be situated in a transcendental position unaffected by mind and senses – by the help of steady intelligence directed towards one’s pure identity.
Chapter 3 is conclusively directed towards Krishna consciousness by knowing oneself as the eternal servitor of the Supreme Personality of Godhead and not the impersonal voidness as the ultimate end.
(b) In Immature stage – ‘philosophical speculations’ and ‘artificial attempts to control senses by yoga’ fails to help
Recommendation: One must be trained in Krishna Consciousness by higher intelligence
SUMMARISED THEME 3D
CONCLUSION – HOW TO FIGHT LUST (3.40 – 3.43)
Regulate senses
Because the intelligence and mind are difficult to control, one begins by regulating the senses
How to regulate the senses o By devotional service according to sastra o Under guru’s direction
Engage soul in Krishna consciousness
One can attack the lust in mind and intelligence by contemplating that he is spiritual, superior to the dictates of the senses, mind and intelligence. He can thus practice acting on the platform of spiritual desire (Krishna consciousness) rather than material lust.
Intelligence is strengthened
Mind is engaged in Krishna consciousness
Mind engages senses which become serpents with broken fangs (Analogy
(a) Analogy: Material world is like ‘Shackles of sex life’ (Maithunya-agara)
This is the punishment for living entities disobedient to the laws of God
(b) Lust – symbol of ignorance, because
Advancement of material civilization on the basis of sense gratification means increasing the duration of material existence.
So-called happiness from sense gratification is the ultimate enemy of the sense enjoyer.
Text 3.40 – 3.43
COMMON THEME : How to conquer the enemy – Lust.
Text 3.40
THEME : Know the 3 sitting places of lust – Senses, Mind and Intelligence
Learnings from Purport 3.40
(a) What are the repositories of lust – Mind and the senses
(b) Mind as center of all sense activities – Reservoir of ideas of sense gratification
(c) Intelligence – Capital and next-door neighbor
(d) Intelligence influences the spirit soul – How?
Lusty intelligence influences the spirit soul to acquire the false ego and identify itself with matter, and thus with the mind and senses
Spirit soul becomes addicted to enjoying the material senses and mistakes this as true happiness.
(e) False identification: Manifested in various ways (Ref. SB 10.84.13)
Identifying the body made of three elements with one’s own self
Considering the by-products of the body to be his kinsmen
Considering the land of birth worshipable
Goes to place of pilgrimage simply to take a bath rather than meet men of transcendental knowledge.
Text 3.41
THEME : Regulate the senses – Since the senses are the weakest, they are the easiest to begin conquering lust with. Therefore destroy lust in senses by following religious regulations.
Lust as destroyer of ‘jnana’ (knowledge) and ‘vijnana’ (self-realisation)
IMPORTANT POINTS :
One’s senses are influenced by lust when he feels attracted to pleasure and repulsed by pain.
The senses send images of desirable and undesirable objects to the mind.
Learnings from Purport 3.41
(a) What is ‘jnana’ and ‘vijnana’
Jnana – Knowledge of the self as distinguished from the non-self
Vijnana – Specific knowledge of the spirit soul’s constitutional position and his relationship to the Supreme Soul
(b) Learn Krishna Consciousness from Bhagavad-gita
Ref. SB 2.9.31: “The knowledge of self and Superself is very confidential and has to be understood as explained by the Lord Himself”
What is Krishna Consciousness based on Bhagavad-gita? o Living entities are part and parcel of the Lord, and simply meant to serve the Lord
(c) Krishna consciousness protect love from deteriorating into lust
Lust is only the perverted reflection of ‘Love of God’, which is natural for every living entity
Krishna conscious education from the very beginning prevents that natural love from deteriorating into lust
When ‘love of God’ deteriorates into lust, it is very difficult to return to the normal condition.
(d) Power of Krishna Consciousness – ‘Even a late beginner benefits and can become a lover of God by following the regulative principles of devotional service.
SUMMARISED THEME 3C
CHARACTERISTICS OF LUST (3.37 – 3.41)
Born of mode of passion (3.37)
Changes into wrath (born of the mode of ignorance) (3.37)
Forces us to act sinfully (3.37)
All-devouring greatest enemy of living entity (3.37)
Covers the living entity’s pure consciousness (3.38)
As smoke covers fire
Mirror covered by dust
Embryo covered by womb
Lust is never satisfied, like fire (3.39)
Sitting places of lust – Senses, Mind and Intelligence (3.40)
Covers jnana (knowledge) and vijana (self-realisation) (3.41)
Text 3.42
THEME : Hierarchy of sitting places of lust
Working senses are superior to dull matter
Mind is higher than the senses
Intelligence is higher than the mind
Soul is higher than the intelligence
Learnings from Purport 3.42
(a) Senses are superior to matter, because
The senses are different outlets for the activities of lust
(b) Solution to the whole problem
Understand the constitution of the soul and engage in the direct connection with Krishna in Krishna-Consciousness.
In Krishna Consciousness – these outlets (senses) are not in use to exhibit lust.
(c) Only stoppage of bodily action does not help
Bodily action means function of the senses and stopping the senses means stopping all bodily action
But the mind is always active, even though the body may be silent e.g. dreaming
Therefore the soul has to be directly engaged with the Supreme, then all other subordinates (intelligence, mind etc) follow o Ref. Katha Upanisad: Soul is referred to as “mahan” because superior to all, senses, mind and intelligence o Ref. Bg. 2.59: “param drstva nivartate…” – Higher taste
(d) Solution to the whole problem
Directly understanding the constitutional position of soul is the real solution
By complete surrender unto the Supreme Personality of Godhead o By intelligence one engages the mind in Krishna consciousness o Analogy: Even though the senses are very strong like serpents, they will no more effective than serpents with broken fangs
(e) CAUTION! Even though the soul is the master of intelligence and mind, and the senses also, still, unless it is strengthed by association with Krishna in Krishna consciousness, there is every chance of falling down due to the agitated mind.
Text 3.43
THEME : Steady the mind by deliberate spiritual intelligence (Krishna consciousness)
Knowing that the soul is higher than material senses, mind and intelligence, take strength to defeat the enemy
By spiritual strength conquer this insatiable enemy lust
IMPORTANT POINTS :
Images of lust arise in the mind and attack the intelligence. If defeated, the intelligence is commandeered to make plans for fulfilling the lusty desires of the mind.
Thus lust enters through the senses and conquers the mind and intelligence.
Learnings from Purport 3.43
(a) Essence of Chapter 3
Do not give up work and prescribed duties all of a sudden.
Greatest enemy of conditioned soul – Desire for over-lording and for sense gratification, which are manifestations of lust.
Gradually develop Krishna consciousness and then one can be situated in a transcendental position unaffected by mind and senses – by the help of steady intelligence directed towards one’s pure identity.
Chapter 3 is conclusively directed towards Krishna consciousness by knowing oneself as the eternal servitor of the Supreme Personality of Godhead and not the impersonal voidness as the ultimate end.
(b) In Immature stage – ‘philosophical speculations’ and ‘artificial attempts to control senses by yoga’ fails to help
Recommendation: One must be trained in Krishna Consciousness by higher intelligence
SUMMARISED THEME 3D
CONCLUSION – HOW TO FIGHT LUST (3.40 – 3.43)
Regulate senses
Because the intelligence and mind are difficult to control, one begins by regulating the senses
How to regulate the senses o By devotional service according to sastra o Under guru’s direction
Engage soul in Krishna consciousness
One can attack the lust in mind and intelligence by contemplating that he is spiritual, superior to the dictates of the senses, mind and intelligence. He can thus practice acting on the platform of spiritual desire (Krishna consciousness) rather than material lust.
Intelligence is strengthened
Mind is engaged in Krishna consciousness
Mind engages senses which become serpents with broken fangs (Analogy
(a) Analogy: Material world is like ‘Shackles of sex life’ (Maithunya-agara)
This is the punishment for living entities disobedient to the laws of God
(b) Lust – symbol of ignorance, because
Advancement of material civilization on the basis of sense gratification means increasing the duration of material existence.
So-called happiness from sense gratification is the ultimate enemy of the sense enjoyer.
Text 3.40 – 3.43
COMMON THEME : How to conquer the enemy – Lust.
Text 3.40
THEME : Know the 3 sitting places of lust – Senses, Mind and Intelligence
Learnings from Purport 3.40
(a) What are the repositories of lust – Mind and the senses
(b) Mind as center of all sense activities – Reservoir of ideas of sense gratification
(c) Intelligence – Capital and next-door neighbor
(d) Intelligence influences the spirit soul – How?
Lusty intelligence influences the spirit soul to acquire the false ego and identify itself with matter, and thus with the mind and senses
Spirit soul becomes addicted to enjoying the material senses and mistakes this as true happiness.
(e) False identification: Manifested in various ways (Ref. SB 10.84.13)
Identifying the body made of three elements with one’s own self
Considering the by-products of the body to be his kinsmen
Considering the land of birth worshipable
Goes to place of pilgrimage simply to take a bath rather than meet men of transcendental knowledge.
Text 3.41
THEME : Regulate the senses – Since the senses are the weakest, they are the easiest to begin conquering lust with. Therefore destroy lust in senses by following religious regulations.
Lust as destroyer of ‘jnana’ (knowledge) and ‘vijnana’ (self-realisation)
IMPORTANT POINTS :
One’s senses are influenced by lust when he feels attracted to pleasure and repulsed by pain.
The senses send images of desirable and undesirable objects to the mind.
Learnings from Purport 3.41
(a) What is ‘jnana’ and ‘vijnana’
Jnana – Knowledge of the self as distinguished from the non-self
Vijnana – Specific knowledge of the spirit soul’s constitutional position and his relationship to the Supreme Soul
(b) Learn Krishna Consciousness from Bhagavad-gita
Ref. SB 2.9.31: “The knowledge of self and Superself is very confidential and has to be understood as explained by the Lord Himself”
What is Krishna Consciousness based on Bhagavad-gita? o Living entities are part and parcel of the Lord, and simply meant to serve the Lord
(c) Krishna consciousness protect love from deteriorating into lust
Lust is only the perverted reflection of ‘Love of God’, which is natural for every living entity
Krishna conscious education from the very beginning prevents that natural love from deteriorating into lust
When ‘love of God’ deteriorates into lust, it is very difficult to return to the normal condition.
(d) Power of Krishna Consciousness – ‘Even a late beginner benefits and can become a lover of God by following the regulative principles of devotional service.
SUMMARISED THEME 3C
CHARACTERISTICS OF LUST (3.37 – 3.41)
Born of mode of passion (3.37)
Changes into wrath (born of the mode of ignorance) (3.37)
Forces us to act sinfully (3.37)
All-devouring greatest enemy of living entity (3.37)
Covers the living entity’s pure consciousness (3.38)
As smoke covers fire
Mirror covered by dust
Embryo covered by womb
Lust is never satisfied, like fire (3.39)
Sitting places of lust – Senses, Mind and Intelligence (3.40)
Covers jnana (knowledge) and vijana (self-realisation) (3.41)
Text 3.42
THEME : Hierarchy of sitting places of lust
Working senses are superior to dull matter
Mind is higher than the senses
Intelligence is higher than the mind
Soul is higher than the intelligence
Learnings from Purport 3.42
(a) Senses are superior to matter, because
The senses are different outlets for the activities of lust
(b) Solution to the whole problem
Understand the constitution of the soul and engage in the direct connection with Krishna in Krishna-Consciousness.
In Krishna Consciousness – these outlets (senses) are not in use to exhibit lust.
(c) Only stoppage of bodily action does not help
Bodily action means function of the senses and stopping the senses means stopping all bodily action
But the mind is always active, even though the body may be silent e.g. dreaming
Therefore the soul has to be directly engaged with the Supreme, then all other subordinates (intelligence, mind etc) follow o Ref. Katha Upanisad: Soul is referred to as “mahan” because superior to all, senses, mind and intelligence o Ref. Bg. 2.59: “param drstva nivartate…” – Higher taste
(d) Solution to the whole problem
Directly understanding the constitutional position of soul is the real solution
By complete surrender unto the Supreme Personality of Godhead o By intelligence one engages the mind in Krishna consciousness o Analogy: Even though the senses are very strong like serpents, they will no more effective than serpents with broken fangs
(e) CAUTION! Even though the soul is the master of intelligence and mind, and the senses also, still, unless it is strengthed by association with Krishna in Krishna consciousness, there is every chance of falling down due to the agitated mind.
Text 3.43
THEME : Steady the mind by deliberate spiritual intelligence (Krishna consciousness)
Knowing that the soul is higher than material senses, mind and intelligence, take strength to defeat the enemy
By spiritual strength conquer this insatiable enemy lust
IMPORTANT POINTS :
Images of lust arise in the mind and attack the intelligence. If defeated, the intelligence is commandeered to make plans for fulfilling the lusty desires of the mind.
Thus lust enters through the senses and conquers the mind and intelligence.
Learnings from Purport 3.43
(a) Essence of Chapter 3
Do not give up work and prescribed duties all of a sudden.
Greatest enemy of conditioned soul – Desire for over-lording and for sense gratification, which are manifestations of lust.
Gradually develop Krishna consciousness and then one can be situated in a transcendental position unaffected by mind and senses – by the help of steady intelligence directed towards one’s pure identity.
Chapter 3 is conclusively directed towards Krishna consciousness by knowing oneself as the eternal servitor of the Supreme Personality of Godhead and not the impersonal voidness as the ultimate end.
(b) In Immature stage – ‘philosophical speculations’ and ‘artificial attempts to control senses by yoga’ fails to help
Recommendation: One must be trained in Krishna Consciousness by higher intelligence
SUMMARISED THEME 3D
CONCLUSION – HOW TO FIGHT LUST (3.40 – 3.43)
Regulate senses
Because the intelligence and mind are difficult to control, one begins by regulating the senses
How to regulate the senses o By devotional service according to sastra o Under guru’s direction
Engage soul in Krishna consciousness
One can attack the lust in mind and intelligence by contemplating that he is spiritual, superior to the dictates of the senses, mind and intelligence. He can thus practice acting on the platform of spiritual desire (Krishna consciousness) rather than material lust.
Intelligence is strengthened
Mind is engaged in Krishna consciousness
Mind engages senses which become serpents with broken fangs (Analogy
A chance to kindle fire of Krishna consciousness by careful handling of smoke.
One can conquer lust, by cultivation of Krishna consciousness under proper guidance.
Text 3.39
THEME: Further characteristics of lust
Covers the living entities pure consciousness
Lust is never satisfied
Analogy: Never satisfied, like fire which is never satisfied by constant supply of fuel (Ref. Manu Smrti)
IMPORTANT POINTS :
In a completely different analogy, Krishna compares lust to fire.
Lust is never satisfied with any amount of fuel: it simply grows as it is fed
The best way to stop lust is to stop feeding it and let it die
Learnings from Purport 3.39
(a) Analogy: Material world is like ‘Shackles of sex life’ (Maithunya-agara)
This is the punishment for living entities disobedient to the laws of God
(b) Lust – symbol of ignorance, because
Advancement of material civilization on the basis of sense gratification means increasing the duration of material existence.
So-called happiness from sense gratification is the ultimate enemy of the sense enjoyer.
Text 3.40 – 3.43
COMMON THEME : How to conquer the enemy – Lust.
Text 3.40
THEME : Know the 3 sitting places of lust – Senses, Mind and Intelligence
Learnings from Purport 3.40
(a) What are the repositories of lust – Mind and the senses
(b) Mind as center of all sense activities – Reservoir of ideas of sense gratification
(c) Intelligence – Capital and next-door neighbor
(d) Intelligence influences the spirit soul – How?
Lusty intelligence influences the spirit soul to acquire the false ego and identify itself with matter, and thus with the mind and senses
Spirit soul becomes addicted to enjoying the material senses and mistakes this as true happiness.
(e) False identification: Manifested in various ways (Ref. SB 10.84.13)
Identifying the body made of three elements with one’s own self
Considering the by-products of the body to be his kinsmen
Considering the land of birth worshipable
Goes to place of pilgrimage simply to take a bath rather than meet men of transcendental knowledge.
Text 3.41
THEME : Regulate the senses – Since the senses are the weakest, they are the easiest to begin conquering lust with. Therefore destroy lust in senses by following religious regulations.
Lust as destroyer of ‘jnana’ (knowledge) and ‘vijnana’ (self-realisation)
IMPORTANT POINTS :
One’s senses are influenced by lust when he feels attracted to pleasure and repulsed by pain.
The senses send images of desirable and undesirable objects to the mind.
Learnings from Purport 3.41
(a) What is ‘jnana’ and ‘vijnana’
Jnana – Knowledge of the self as distinguished from the non-self
Vijnana – Specific knowledge of the spirit soul’s constitutional position and his relationship to the Supreme Soul
(b) Learn Krishna Consciousness from Bhagavad-gita
Ref. SB 2.9.31: “The knowledge of self and Superself is very confidential and has to be understood as explained by the Lord Himself”
What is Krishna Consciousness based on Bhagavad-gita? o Living entities are part and parcel of the Lord, and simply meant to serve the Lord
(c) Krishna consciousness protect love from deteriorating into lust
Lust is only the perverted reflection of ‘Love of God’, which is natural for every living entity
Krishna conscious education from the very beginning prevents that natural love from deteriorating into lust
When ‘love of God’ deteriorates into lust, it is very difficult to return to the normal condition.
(d) Power of Krishna Consciousness – ‘Even a late beginner benefits and can become a lover of God by following the regulative principles of devotional service.
SUMMARISED THEME 3C
CHARACTERISTICS OF LUST (3.37 – 3.41)
Born of mode of passion (3.37)
Changes into wrath (born of the mode of ignorance) (3.37)
Forces us to act sinfully (3.37)
All-devouring greatest enemy of living entity (3.37)
Covers the living entity’s pure consciousness (3.38)
As smoke covers fire
Mirror covered by dust
Embryo covered by womb
Lust is never satisfied, like fire (3.39)
Sitting places of lust – Senses, Mind and Intelligence (3.40)
Covers jnana (knowledge) and vijana (self-realisation) (3.41)
Text 3.42
THEME : Hierarchy of sitting places of lust
Working senses are superior to dull matter
Mind is higher than the senses
Intelligence is higher than the mind
Soul is higher than the intelligence
Learnings from Purport 3.42
(a) Senses are superior to matter, because
The senses are different outlets for the activities of lust
(b) Solution to the whole problem
Understand the constitution of the soul and engage in the direct connection with Krishna in Krishna-Consciousness.
In Krishna Consciousness – these outlets (senses) are not in use to exhibit lust.
(c) Only stoppage of bodily action does not help
Bodily action means function of the senses and stopping the senses means stopping all bodily action
But the mind is always active, even though the body may be silent e.g. dreaming
Therefore the soul has to be directly engaged with the Supreme, then all other subordinates (intelligence, mind etc) follow o Ref. Katha Upanisad: Soul is referred to as “mahan” because superior to all, senses, mind and intelligence o Ref. Bg. 2.59: “param drstva nivartate…” – Higher taste
(d) Solution to the whole problem
Directly understanding the constitutional position of soul is the real solution
By complete surrender unto the Supreme Personality of Godhead o By intelligence one engages the mind in Krishna consciousness o Analogy: Even though the senses are very strong like serpents, they will no more effective than serpents with broken fangs
(e) CAUTION! Even though the soul is the master of intelligence and mind, and the senses also, still, unless it is strengthed by association with Krishna in Krishna consciousness, there is every chance of falling down due to the agitated mind.
Text 3.43
THEME : Steady the mind by deliberate spiritual intelligence (Krishna consciousness)
Knowing that the soul is higher than material senses, mind and intelligence, take strength to defeat the enemy
By spiritual strength conquer this insatiable enemy lust
IMPORTANT POINTS :
Images of lust arise in the mind and attack the intelligence. If defeated, the intelligence is commandeered to make plans for fulfilling the lusty desires of the mind.
Thus lust enters through the senses and conquers the mind and intelligence.
Learnings from Purport 3.43
(a) Essence of Chapter 3
Do not give up work and prescribed duties all of a sudden.
Greatest enemy of conditioned soul – Desire for over-lording and for sense gratification, which are manifestations of lust.
Gradually develop Krishna consciousness and then one can be situated in a transcendental position unaffected by mind and senses – by the help of steady intelligence directed towards one’s pure identity.
Chapter 3 is conclusively directed towards Krishna consciousness by knowing oneself as the eternal servitor of the Supreme Personality of Godhead and not the impersonal voidness as the ultimate end.
(b) In Immature stage – ‘philosophical speculations’ and ‘artificial attempts to control senses by yoga’ fails to help
Recommendation: One must be trained in Krishna Consciousness by higher intelligence
SUMMARISED THEME 3D
CONCLUSION – HOW TO FIGHT LUST (3.40 – 3.43)
Regulate senses
Because the intelligence and mind are difficult to control, one begins by regulating the senses
How to regulate the senses o By devotional service according to sastra o Under guru’s direction
Engage soul in Krishna consciousness
One can attack the lust in mind and intelligence by contemplating that he is spiritual, superior to the dictates of the senses, mind and intelligence. He can thus practice acting on the platform of spiritual desire (Krishna consciousness) rather than material lust.
Intelligence is strengthened
Mind is engaged in Krishna consciousness
Mind engages senses which become serpents with broken fangs (Analogy
A chance to kindle fire of Krishna consciousness by careful handling of smoke.
One can conquer lust, by cultivation of Krishna consciousness under proper guidance.
Text 3.39
THEME: Further characteristics of lust
Covers the living entities pure consciousness
Lust is never satisfied
Analogy: Never satisfied, like fire which is never satisfied by constant supply of fuel (Ref. Manu Smrti)
IMPORTANT POINTS :
In a completely different analogy, Krishna compares lust to fire.
Lust is never satisfied with any amount of fuel: it simply grows as it is fed
The best way to stop lust is to stop feeding it and let it die
Learnings from Purport 3.39
(a) Analogy: Material world is like ‘Shackles of sex life’ (Maithunya-agara)
This is the punishment for living entities disobedient to the laws of God
(b) Lust – symbol of ignorance, because
Advancement of material civilization on the basis of sense gratification means increasing the duration of material existence.
So-called happiness from sense gratification is the ultimate enemy of the sense enjoyer.
Text 3.40 – 3.43
COMMON THEME : How to conquer the enemy – Lust.
Text 3.40
THEME : Know the 3 sitting places of lust – Senses, Mind and Intelligence
Learnings from Purport 3.40
(a) What are the repositories of lust – Mind and the senses
(b) Mind as center of all sense activities – Reservoir of ideas of sense gratification
(c) Intelligence – Capital and next-door neighbor
(d) Intelligence influences the spirit soul – How?
Lusty intelligence influences the spirit soul to acquire the false ego and identify itself with matter, and thus with the mind and senses
Spirit soul becomes addicted to enjoying the material senses and mistakes this as true happiness.
(e) False identification: Manifested in various ways (Ref. SB 10.84.13)
Identifying the body made of three elements with one’s own self
Considering the by-products of the body to be his kinsmen
Considering the land of birth worshipable
Goes to place of pilgrimage simply to take a bath rather than meet men of transcendental knowledge.
Text 3.41
THEME : Regulate the senses – Since the senses are the weakest, they are the easiest to begin conquering lust with. Therefore destroy lust in senses by following religious regulations.
Lust as destroyer of ‘jnana’ (knowledge) and ‘vijnana’ (self-realisation)
IMPORTANT POINTS :
One’s senses are influenced by lust when he feels attracted to pleasure and repulsed by pain.
The senses send images of desirable and undesirable objects to the mind.
Learnings from Purport 3.41
(a) What is ‘jnana’ and ‘vijnana’
Jnana – Knowledge of the self as distinguished from the non-self
Vijnana – Specific knowledge of the spirit soul’s constitutional position and his relationship to the Supreme Soul
(b) Learn Krishna Consciousness from Bhagavad-gita
Ref. SB 2.9.31: “The knowledge of self and Superself is very confidential and has to be understood as explained by the Lord Himself”
What is Krishna Consciousness based on Bhagavad-gita? o Living entities are part and parcel of the Lord, and simply meant to serve the Lord
(c) Krishna consciousness protect love from deteriorating into lust
Lust is only the perverted reflection of ‘Love of God’, which is natural for every living entity
Krishna conscious education from the very beginning prevents that natural love from deteriorating into lust
When ‘love of God’ deteriorates into lust, it is very difficult to return to the normal condition.
(d) Power of Krishna Consciousness – ‘Even a late beginner benefits and can become a lover of God by following the regulative principles of devotional service.
SUMMARISED THEME 3C
CHARACTERISTICS OF LUST (3.37 – 3.41)
Born of mode of passion (3.37)
Changes into wrath (born of the mode of ignorance) (3.37)
Forces us to act sinfully (3.37)
All-devouring greatest enemy of living entity (3.37)
Covers the living entity’s pure consciousness (3.38)
As smoke covers fire
Mirror covered by dust
Embryo covered by womb
Lust is never satisfied, like fire (3.39)
Sitting places of lust – Senses, Mind and Intelligence (3.40)
Covers jnana (knowledge) and vijana (self-realisation) (3.41)
Text 3.42
THEME : Hierarchy of sitting places of lust
Working senses are superior to dull matter
Mind is higher than the senses
Intelligence is higher than the mind
Soul is higher than the intelligence
Learnings from Purport 3.42
(a) Senses are superior to matter, because
The senses are different outlets for the activities of lust
(b) Solution to the whole problem
Understand the constitution of the soul and engage in the direct connection with Krishna in Krishna-Consciousness.
In Krishna Consciousness – these outlets (senses) are not in use to exhibit lust.
(c) Only stoppage of bodily action does not help
Bodily action means function of the senses and stopping the senses means stopping all bodily action
But the mind is always active, even though the body may be silent e.g. dreaming
Therefore the soul has to be directly engaged with the Supreme, then all other subordinates (intelligence, mind etc) follow o Ref. Katha Upanisad: Soul is referred to as “mahan” because superior to all, senses, mind and intelligence o Ref. Bg. 2.59: “param drstva nivartate…” – Higher taste
(d) Solution to the whole problem
Directly understanding the constitutional position of soul is the real solution
By complete surrender unto the Supreme Personality of Godhead o By intelligence one engages the mind in Krishna consciousness o Analogy: Even though the senses are very strong like serpents, they will no more effective than serpents with broken fangs
(e) CAUTION! Even though the soul is the master of intelligence and mind, and the senses also, still, unless it is strengthed by association with Krishna in Krishna consciousness, there is every chance of falling down due to the agitated mind.
Text 3.43
THEME : Steady the mind by deliberate spiritual intelligence (Krishna consciousness)
Knowing that the soul is higher than material senses, mind and intelligence, take strength to defeat the enemy
By spiritual strength conquer this insatiable enemy lust
IMPORTANT POINTS :
Images of lust arise in the mind and attack the intelligence. If defeated, the intelligence is commandeered to make plans for fulfilling the lusty desires of the mind.
Thus lust enters through the senses and conquers the mind and intelligence.
Learnings from Purport 3.43
(a) Essence of Chapter 3
Do not give up work and prescribed duties all of a sudden.
Greatest enemy of conditioned soul – Desire for over-lording and for sense gratification, which are manifestations of lust.
Gradually develop Krishna consciousness and then one can be situated in a transcendental position unaffected by mind and senses – by the help of steady intelligence directed towards one’s pure identity.
Chapter 3 is conclusively directed towards Krishna consciousness by knowing oneself as the eternal servitor of the Supreme Personality of Godhead and not the impersonal voidness as the ultimate end.
(b) In Immature stage – ‘philosophical speculations’ and ‘artificial attempts to control senses by yoga’ fails to help
Recommendation: One must be trained in Krishna Consciousness by higher intelligence
SUMMARISED THEME 3D
CONCLUSION – HOW TO FIGHT LUST (3.40 – 3.43)
Regulate senses
Because the intelligence and mind are difficult to control, one begins by regulating the senses
How to regulate the senses o By devotional service according to sastra o Under guru’s direction
Engage soul in Krishna consciousness
One can attack the lust in mind and intelligence by contemplating that he is spiritual, superior to the dictates of the senses, mind and intelligence. He can thus practice acting on the platform of spiritual desire (Krishna consciousness) rather than material lust.
Intelligence is strengthened
Mind is engaged in Krishna consciousness
Mind engages senses which become serpents with broken fangs (Analogy
(a) When and what contact transforms ‘love’ into ‘lust’
Living entity comes in contact with material creation and eternal love for Krishna transforms into lust, in association with the mode of passion
Analogy: Milk in contact with sour tamarind transforms into yoghurt
(b) Elevate passion (lust) into mode of goodness & not degrade into mode of ignorance – How?
By the prescribed method of living and acting
Benefit – Then one can be saved from the degradation of wrath, by spiritual attachment
(c) Ever-blissful spiritual entities come to material world under lust. Why?
Because of misuse of their partial independence – service attitude is transformed into the propensity to Lord over
Purpose of material creation – To give facility to the conditioned souls to fulfill their lustful propensities
(d) When does living entity inquire about reality
When completely baffled by prolonged lustful activities
(e) One should inquire – What?
Inquire about the Supreme – Ref. Vedanta Sutra: “atatho brahma-jijnasa…”
Supreme – Who is He? – Ref. SB “janmady asya…” – The origin of everything is the Supreme Brahman
(f) What is origin of lust
The origin of everything is in the Supreme – Therefore origin of lust is also in the Supreme
(g) How to make ‘lust’ and ‘wrath’ be spiritualized, and thus making them our friends
By desiring everything for Krishna i.e. in Krishna consciousness. Examples: o Hanuman used his wrath for Lord Rama o Arjuna is induced to exhibit wrath on the battlefield
Text 3.38
THEME: Lust covers the living entity – 3 different degrees of covering
Fire covered by smoke
Mirror covered by dust
Embryo covered by womb
Learnings from Purport 3.38
(a) Comparisons of 3 levels of covering:
Smoke/fire – beginning of Krishna consciousness
Mirror/dust – cleansing by spiritual methods
Embryo/womb – knowledge completely covered
(b) Also another category of comparison:
Smoke/fire – consciousness of human beings
Mirror/dust – consciousness of birds and beasts
Embryo/womb – helpless like trees
(c) Human life is an opportunity
A chance to kindle fire of Krishna consciousness by careful handling of smoke.
One can conquer lust, by cultivation of Krishna consciousness under proper guidance.
Text 3.39
THEME: Further characteristics of lust
Covers the living entities pure consciousness
Lust is never satisfied
Analogy: Never satisfied, like fire which is never satisfied by constant supply of fuel (Ref. Manu Smrti)
IMPORTANT POINTS :
In a completely different analogy, Krishna compares lust to fire.
Lust is never satisfied with any amount of fuel: it simply grows as it is fed
The best way to stop lust is to stop feeding it and let it die
Learnings from Purport 3.39
(a) Analogy: Material world is like ‘Shackles of sex life’ (Maithunya-agara)
This is the punishment for living entities disobedient to the laws of God
(b) Lust – symbol of ignorance, because
Advancement of material civilization on the basis of sense gratification means increasing the duration of material existence.
So-called happiness from sense gratification is the ultimate enemy of the sense enjoyer.
Text 3.40 – 3.43
COMMON THEME : How to conquer the enemy – Lust.
Text 3.40
THEME : Know the 3 sitting places of lust – Senses, Mind and Intelligence
Learnings from Purport 3.40
(a) What are the repositories of lust – Mind and the senses
(b) Mind as center of all sense activities – Reservoir of ideas of sense gratification
(c) Intelligence – Capital and next-door neighbor
(d) Intelligence influences the spirit soul – How?
Lusty intelligence influences the spirit soul to acquire the false ego and identify itself with matter, and thus with the mind and senses
Spirit soul becomes addicted to enjoying the material senses and mistakes this as true happiness.
(e) False identification: Manifested in various ways (Ref. SB 10.84.13)
Identifying the body made of three elements with one’s own self
Considering the by-products of the body to be his kinsmen
Considering the land of birth worshipable
Goes to place of pilgrimage simply to take a bath rather than meet men of transcendental knowledge.
Text 3.41
THEME : Regulate the senses – Since the senses are the weakest, they are the easiest to begin conquering lust with. Therefore destroy lust in senses by following religious regulations.
Lust as destroyer of ‘jnana’ (knowledge) and ‘vijnana’ (self-realisation)
IMPORTANT POINTS :
One’s senses are influenced by lust when he feels attracted to pleasure and repulsed by pain.
The senses send images of desirable and undesirable objects to the mind.
Learnings from Purport 3.41
(a) What is ‘jnana’ and ‘vijnana’
Jnana – Knowledge of the self as distinguished from the non-self
Vijnana – Specific knowledge of the spirit soul’s constitutional position and his relationship to the Supreme Soul
(b) Learn Krishna Consciousness from Bhagavad-gita
Ref. SB 2.9.31: “The knowledge of self and Superself is very confidential and has to be understood as explained by the Lord Himself”
What is Krishna Consciousness based on Bhagavad-gita? o Living entities are part and parcel of the Lord, and simply meant to serve the Lord
(c) Krishna consciousness protect love from deteriorating into lust
Lust is only the perverted reflection of ‘Love of God’, which is natural for every living entity
Krishna conscious education from the very beginning prevents that natural love from deteriorating into lust
When ‘love of God’ deteriorates into lust, it is very difficult to return to the normal condition.
(d) Power of Krishna Consciousness – ‘Even a late beginner benefits and can become a lover of God by following the regulative principles of devotional service.
SUMMARISED THEME 3C
CHARACTERISTICS OF LUST (3.37 – 3.41)
Born of mode of passion (3.37)
Changes into wrath (born of the mode of ignorance) (3.37)
Forces us to act sinfully (3.37)
All-devouring greatest enemy of living entity (3.37)
Covers the living entity’s pure consciousness (3.38)
As smoke covers fire
Mirror covered by dust
Embryo covered by womb
Lust is never satisfied, like fire (3.39)
Sitting places of lust – Senses, Mind and Intelligence (3.40)
Covers jnana (knowledge) and vijana (self-realisation) (3.41)
Text 3.42
THEME : Hierarchy of sitting places of lust
Working senses are superior to dull matter
Mind is higher than the senses
Intelligence is higher than the mind
Soul is higher than the intelligence
Learnings from Purport 3.42
(a) Senses are superior to matter, because
The senses are different outlets for the activities of lust
(b) Solution to the whole problem
Understand the constitution of the soul and engage in the direct connection with Krishna in Krishna-Consciousness.
In Krishna Consciousness – these outlets (senses) are not in use to exhibit lust.
(c) Only stoppage of bodily action does not help
Bodily action means function of the senses and stopping the senses means stopping all bodily action
But the mind is always active, even though the body may be silent e.g. dreaming
Therefore the soul has to be directly engaged with the Supreme, then all other subordinates (intelligence, mind etc) follow o Ref. Katha Upanisad: Soul is referred to as “mahan” because superior to all, senses, mind and intelligence o Ref. Bg. 2.59: “param drstva nivartate…” – Higher taste
(d) Solution to the whole problem
Directly understanding the constitutional position of soul is the real solution
By complete surrender unto the Supreme Personality of Godhead o By intelligence one engages the mind in Krishna consciousness o Analogy: Even though the senses are very strong like serpents, they will no more effective than serpents with broken fangs
(e) CAUTION! Even though the soul is the master of intelligence and mind, and the senses also, still, unless it is strengthed by association with Krishna in Krishna consciousness, there is every chance of falling down due to the agitated mind.
Text 3.43
THEME : Steady the mind by deliberate spiritual intelligence (Krishna consciousness)
Knowing that the soul is higher than material senses, mind and intelligence, take strength to defeat the enemy
By spiritual strength conquer this insatiable enemy lust
IMPORTANT POINTS :
Images of lust arise in the mind and attack the intelligence. If defeated, the intelligence is commandeered to make plans for fulfilling the lusty desires of the mind.
Thus lust enters through the senses and conquers the mind and intelligence.
Learnings from Purport 3.43
(a) Essence of Chapter 3
Do not give up work and prescribed duties all of a sudden.
Greatest enemy of conditioned soul – Desire for over-lording and for sense gratification, which are manifestations of lust.
Gradually develop Krishna consciousness and then one can be situated in a transcendental position unaffected by mind and senses – by the help of steady intelligence directed towards one’s pure identity.
Chapter 3 is conclusively directed towards Krishna consciousness by knowing oneself as the eternal servitor of the Supreme Personality of Godhead and not the impersonal voidness as the ultimate end.
(b) In Immature stage – ‘philosophical speculations’ and ‘artificial attempts to control senses by yoga’ fails to help
Recommendation: One must be trained in Krishna Consciousness by higher intelligence
SUMMARISED THEME 3D
CONCLUSION – HOW TO FIGHT LUST (3.40 – 3.43)
Regulate senses
Because the intelligence and mind are difficult to control, one begins by regulating the senses
How to regulate the senses o By devotional service according to sastra o Under guru’s direction
Engage soul in Krishna consciousness
One can attack the lust in mind and intelligence by contemplating that he is spiritual, superior to the dictates of the senses, mind and intelligence. He can thus practice acting on the platform of spiritual desire (Krishna consciousness) rather than material lust.
Intelligence is strengthened
Mind is engaged in Krishna consciousness
Mind engages senses which become serpents with broken fangs (Analogy
(a) When and what contact transforms ‘love’ into ‘lust’
Living entity comes in contact with material creation and eternal love for Krishna transforms into lust, in association with the mode of passion
Analogy: Milk in contact with sour tamarind transforms into yoghurt
(b) Elevate passion (lust) into mode of goodness & not degrade into mode of ignorance – How?
By the prescribed method of living and acting
Benefit – Then one can be saved from the degradation of wrath, by spiritual attachment
(c) Ever-blissful spiritual entities come to material world under lust. Why?
Because of misuse of their partial independence – service attitude is transformed into the propensity to Lord over
Purpose of material creation – To give facility to the conditioned souls to fulfill their lustful propensities
(d) When does living entity inquire about reality
When completely baffled by prolonged lustful activities
(e) One should inquire – What?
Inquire about the Supreme – Ref. Vedanta Sutra: “atatho brahma-jijnasa…”
Supreme – Who is He? – Ref. SB “janmady asya…” – The origin of everything is the Supreme Brahman
(f) What is origin of lust
The origin of everything is in the Supreme – Therefore origin of lust is also in the Supreme
(g) How to make ‘lust’ and ‘wrath’ be spiritualized, and thus making them our friends
By desiring everything for Krishna i.e. in Krishna consciousness. Examples: o Hanuman used his wrath for Lord Rama o Arjuna is induced to exhibit wrath on the battlefield
Text 3.38
THEME: Lust covers the living entity – 3 different degrees of covering
Fire covered by smoke
Mirror covered by dust
Embryo covered by womb
Learnings from Purport 3.38
(a) Comparisons of 3 levels of covering:
Smoke/fire – beginning of Krishna consciousness
Mirror/dust – cleansing by spiritual methods
Embryo/womb – knowledge completely covered
(b) Also another category of comparison:
Smoke/fire – consciousness of human beings
Mirror/dust – consciousness of birds and beasts
Embryo/womb – helpless like trees
(c) Human life is an opportunity
A chance to kindle fire of Krishna consciousness by careful handling of smoke.
One can conquer lust, by cultivation of Krishna consciousness under proper guidance.
Text 3.39
THEME: Further characteristics of lust
Covers the living entities pure consciousness
Lust is never satisfied
Analogy: Never satisfied, like fire which is never satisfied by constant supply of fuel (Ref. Manu Smrti)
IMPORTANT POINTS :
In a completely different analogy, Krishna compares lust to fire.
Lust is never satisfied with any amount of fuel: it simply grows as it is fed
The best way to stop lust is to stop feeding it and let it die
Learnings from Purport 3.39
(a) Analogy: Material world is like ‘Shackles of sex life’ (Maithunya-agara)
This is the punishment for living entities disobedient to the laws of God
(b) Lust – symbol of ignorance, because
Advancement of material civilization on the basis of sense gratification means increasing the duration of material existence.
So-called happiness from sense gratification is the ultimate enemy of the sense enjoyer.
Text 3.40 – 3.43
COMMON THEME : How to conquer the enemy – Lust.
Text 3.40
THEME : Know the 3 sitting places of lust – Senses, Mind and Intelligence
Learnings from Purport 3.40
(a) What are the repositories of lust – Mind and the senses
(b) Mind as center of all sense activities – Reservoir of ideas of sense gratification
(c) Intelligence – Capital and next-door neighbor
(d) Intelligence influences the spirit soul – How?
Lusty intelligence influences the spirit soul to acquire the false ego and identify itself with matter, and thus with the mind and senses
Spirit soul becomes addicted to enjoying the material senses and mistakes this as true happiness.
(e) False identification: Manifested in various ways (Ref. SB 10.84.13)
Identifying the body made of three elements with one’s own self
Considering the by-products of the body to be his kinsmen
Considering the land of birth worshipable
Goes to place of pilgrimage simply to take a bath rather than meet men of transcendental knowledge.
Text 3.41
THEME : Regulate the senses – Since the senses are the weakest, they are the easiest to begin conquering lust with. Therefore destroy lust in senses by following religious regulations.
Lust as destroyer of ‘jnana’ (knowledge) and ‘vijnana’ (self-realisation)
IMPORTANT POINTS :
One’s senses are influenced by lust when he feels attracted to pleasure and repulsed by pain.
The senses send images of desirable and undesirable objects to the mind.
Learnings from Purport 3.41
(a) What is ‘jnana’ and ‘vijnana’
Jnana – Knowledge of the self as distinguished from the non-self
Vijnana – Specific knowledge of the spirit soul’s constitutional position and his relationship to the Supreme Soul
(b) Learn Krishna Consciousness from Bhagavad-gita
Ref. SB 2.9.31: “The knowledge of self and Superself is very confidential and has to be understood as explained by the Lord Himself”
What is Krishna Consciousness based on Bhagavad-gita? o Living entities are part and parcel of the Lord, and simply meant to serve the Lord
(c) Krishna consciousness protect love from deteriorating into lust
Lust is only the perverted reflection of ‘Love of God’, which is natural for every living entity
Krishna conscious education from the very beginning prevents that natural love from deteriorating into lust
When ‘love of God’ deteriorates into lust, it is very difficult to return to the normal condition.
(d) Power of Krishna Consciousness – ‘Even a late beginner benefits and can become a lover of God by following the regulative principles of devotional service.
SUMMARISED THEME 3C
CHARACTERISTICS OF LUST (3.37 – 3.41)
Born of mode of passion (3.37)
Changes into wrath (born of the mode of ignorance) (3.37)
Forces us to act sinfully (3.37)
All-devouring greatest enemy of living entity (3.37)
Covers the living entity’s pure consciousness (3.38)
As smoke covers fire
Mirror covered by dust
Embryo covered by womb
Lust is never satisfied, like fire (3.39)
Sitting places of lust – Senses, Mind and Intelligence (3.40)
Covers jnana (knowledge) and vijana (self-realisation) (3.41)
Text 3.42
THEME : Hierarchy of sitting places of lust
Working senses are superior to dull matter
Mind is higher than the senses
Intelligence is higher than the mind
Soul is higher than the intelligence
Learnings from Purport 3.42
(a) Senses are superior to matter, because
The senses are different outlets for the activities of lust
(b) Solution to the whole problem
Understand the constitution of the soul and engage in the direct connection with Krishna in Krishna-Consciousness.
In Krishna Consciousness – these outlets (senses) are not in use to exhibit lust.
(c) Only stoppage of bodily action does not help
Bodily action means function of the senses and stopping the senses means stopping all bodily action
But the mind is always active, even though the body may be silent e.g. dreaming
Therefore the soul has to be directly engaged with the Supreme, then all other subordinates (intelligence, mind etc) follow o Ref. Katha Upanisad: Soul is referred to as “mahan” because superior to all, senses, mind and intelligence o Ref. Bg. 2.59: “param drstva nivartate…” – Higher taste
(d) Solution to the whole problem
Directly understanding the constitutional position of soul is the real solution
By complete surrender unto the Supreme Personality of Godhead o By intelligence one engages the mind in Krishna consciousness o Analogy: Even though the senses are very strong like serpents, they will no more effective than serpents with broken fangs
(e) CAUTION! Even though the soul is the master of intelligence and mind, and the senses also, still, unless it is strengthed by association with Krishna in Krishna consciousness, there is every chance of falling down due to the agitated mind.
Text 3.43
THEME : Steady the mind by deliberate spiritual intelligence (Krishna consciousness)
Knowing that the soul is higher than material senses, mind and intelligence, take strength to defeat the enemy
By spiritual strength conquer this insatiable enemy lust
IMPORTANT POINTS :
Images of lust arise in the mind and attack the intelligence. If defeated, the intelligence is commandeered to make plans for fulfilling the lusty desires of the mind.
Thus lust enters through the senses and conquers the mind and intelligence.
Learnings from Purport 3.43
(a) Essence of Chapter 3
Do not give up work and prescribed duties all of a sudden.
Greatest enemy of conditioned soul – Desire for over-lording and for sense gratification, which are manifestations of lust.
Gradually develop Krishna consciousness and then one can be situated in a transcendental position unaffected by mind and senses – by the help of steady intelligence directed towards one’s pure identity.
Chapter 3 is conclusively directed towards Krishna consciousness by knowing oneself as the eternal servitor of the Supreme Personality of Godhead and not the impersonal voidness as the ultimate end.
(b) In Immature stage – ‘philosophical speculations’ and ‘artificial attempts to control senses by yoga’ fails to help
Recommendation: One must be trained in Krishna Consciousness by higher intelligence
SUMMARISED THEME 3D
CONCLUSION – HOW TO FIGHT LUST (3.40 – 3.43)
Regulate senses
Because the intelligence and mind are difficult to control, one begins by regulating the senses
How to regulate the senses o By devotional service according to sastra o Under guru’s direction
Engage soul in Krishna consciousness
One can attack the lust in mind and intelligence by contemplating that he is spiritual, superior to the dictates of the senses, mind and intelligence. He can thus practice acting on the platform of spiritual desire (Krishna consciousness) rather than material lust.
Intelligence is strengthened
Mind is engaged in Krishna consciousness
Mind engages senses which become serpents with broken fangs (Analogy
As part and parcel of the Supreme, he is originally spiritual, pure and free from all material contaminations
Therefore he is not subject to the sins of the material world
(b) Perverted nature of living entity
When living entity is in contact with material nature, he acts in many sinful ways without hesitation.
Sometimes against his own will – He is forced to act even if he doesn’t want to
(c) Link between 3.36 & 3.37: What impels sinful action – Supersoul or not?
Sinful actions are not impelled by the Supersoul within, but are caused by another cause mentioned in Text 3.37
Text 3.37
THEME : Lust is that force which impels one to act sinfully
Characteristics of lust: 1. Born of mode of passion 2. Changes into wrath (born of the mode of ignorance) 3. Forces us to act sinfully 4. All-devouring greatest enemy of living entity
IMPORTANT POINTS :
Lust also has its origin in transcendence.
Lust originates when the soul’s inherent love for Krishna is refracted back upon himself.
Thus lust, the intense desire to please one’s senses, is a reflection of the soul’s original intense desire to please Krishna’s senses.
Learnings from Purport 3.37
(a) When and what contact transforms ‘love’ into ‘lust’
Living entity comes in contact with material creation and eternal love for Krishna transforms into lust, in association with the mode of passion
Analogy: Milk in contact with sour tamarind transforms into yoghurt
(b) Elevate passion (lust) into mode of goodness & not degrade into mode of ignorance – How?
By the prescribed method of living and acting
Benefit – Then one can be saved from the degradation of wrath, by spiritual attachment
(c) Ever-blissful spiritual entities come to material world under lust. Why?
Because of misuse of their partial independence – service attitude is transformed into the propensity to Lord over
Purpose of material creation – To give facility to the conditioned souls to fulfill their lustful propensities
(d) When does living entity inquire about reality
When completely baffled by prolonged lustful activities
(e) One should inquire – What?
Inquire about the Supreme – Ref. Vedanta Sutra: “atatho brahma-jijnasa…”
Supreme – Who is He? – Ref. SB “janmady asya…” – The origin of everything is the Supreme Brahman
(f) What is origin of lust
The origin of everything is in the Supreme – Therefore origin of lust is also in the Supreme
(g) How to make ‘lust’ and ‘wrath’ be spiritualized, and thus making them our friends
By desiring everything for Krishna i.e. in Krishna consciousness. Examples: o Hanuman used his wrath for Lord Rama o Arjuna is induced to exhibit wrath on the battlefield
Text 3.38
THEME: Lust covers the living entity – 3 different degrees of covering
Fire covered by smoke
Mirror covered by dust
Embryo covered by womb
Learnings from Purport 3.38
(a) Comparisons of 3 levels of covering:
Smoke/fire – beginning of Krishna consciousness
Mirror/dust – cleansing by spiritual methods
Embryo/womb – knowledge completely covered
(b) Also another category of comparison:
Smoke/fire – consciousness of human beings
Mirror/dust – consciousness of birds and beasts
Embryo/womb – helpless like trees
(c) Human life is an opportunity
A chance to kindle fire of Krishna consciousness by careful handling of smoke.
One can conquer lust, by cultivation of Krishna consciousness under proper guidance.
Text 3.39
THEME: Further characteristics of lust
Covers the living entities pure consciousness
Lust is never satisfied
Analogy: Never satisfied, like fire which is never satisfied by constant supply of fuel (Ref. Manu Smrti)
IMPORTANT POINTS :
In a completely different analogy, Krishna compares lust to fire.
Lust is never satisfied with any amount of fuel: it simply grows as it is fed
The best way to stop lust is to stop feeding it and let it die
Learnings from Purport 3.39
(a) Analogy: Material world is like ‘Shackles of sex life’ (Maithunya-agara)
This is the punishment for living entities disobedient to the laws of God
(b) Lust – symbol of ignorance, because
Advancement of material civilization on the basis of sense gratification means increasing the duration of material existence.
So-called happiness from sense gratification is the ultimate enemy of the sense enjoyer.
Text 3.40 – 3.43
COMMON THEME : How to conquer the enemy – Lust.
Text 3.40
THEME : Know the 3 sitting places of lust – Senses, Mind and Intelligence
Learnings from Purport 3.40
(a) What are the repositories of lust – Mind and the senses
(b) Mind as center of all sense activities – Reservoir of ideas of sense gratification
(c) Intelligence – Capital and next-door neighbor
(d) Intelligence influences the spirit soul – How?
Lusty intelligence influences the spirit soul to acquire the false ego and identify itself with matter, and thus with the mind and senses
Spirit soul becomes addicted to enjoying the material senses and mistakes this as true happiness.
(e) False identification: Manifested in various ways (Ref. SB 10.84.13)
Identifying the body made of three elements with one’s own self
Considering the by-products of the body to be his kinsmen
Considering the land of birth worshipable
Goes to place of pilgrimage simply to take a bath rather than meet men of transcendental knowledge.
Text 3.41
THEME : Regulate the senses – Since the senses are the weakest, they are the easiest to begin conquering lust with. Therefore destroy lust in senses by following religious regulations.
Lust as destroyer of ‘jnana’ (knowledge) and ‘vijnana’ (self-realisation)
IMPORTANT POINTS :
One’s senses are influenced by lust when he feels attracted to pleasure and repulsed by pain.
The senses send images of desirable and undesirable objects to the mind.
Learnings from Purport 3.41
(a) What is ‘jnana’ and ‘vijnana’
Jnana – Knowledge of the self as distinguished from the non-self
Vijnana – Specific knowledge of the spirit soul’s constitutional position and his relationship to the Supreme Soul
(b) Learn Krishna Consciousness from Bhagavad-gita
Ref. SB 2.9.31: “The knowledge of self and Superself is very confidential and has to be understood as explained by the Lord Himself”
What is Krishna Consciousness based on Bhagavad-gita? o Living entities are part and parcel of the Lord, and simply meant to serve the Lord
(c) Krishna consciousness protect love from deteriorating into lust
Lust is only the perverted reflection of ‘Love of God’, which is natural for every living entity
Krishna conscious education from the very beginning prevents that natural love from deteriorating into lust
When ‘love of God’ deteriorates into lust, it is very difficult to return to the normal condition.
(d) Power of Krishna Consciousness – ‘Even a late beginner benefits and can become a lover of God by following the regulative principles of devotional service.
SUMMARISED THEME 3C
CHARACTERISTICS OF LUST (3.37 – 3.41)
Born of mode of passion (3.37)
Changes into wrath (born of the mode of ignorance) (3.37)
Forces us to act sinfully (3.37)
All-devouring greatest enemy of living entity (3.37)
Covers the living entity’s pure consciousness (3.38)
As smoke covers fire
Mirror covered by dust
Embryo covered by womb
Lust is never satisfied, like fire (3.39)
Sitting places of lust – Senses, Mind and Intelligence (3.40)
Covers jnana (knowledge) and vijana (self-realisation) (3.41)
Text 3.42
THEME : Hierarchy of sitting places of lust
Working senses are superior to dull matter
Mind is higher than the senses
Intelligence is higher than the mind
Soul is higher than the intelligence
Learnings from Purport 3.42
(a) Senses are superior to matter, because
The senses are different outlets for the activities of lust
(b) Solution to the whole problem
Understand the constitution of the soul and engage in the direct connection with Krishna in Krishna-Consciousness.
In Krishna Consciousness – these outlets (senses) are not in use to exhibit lust.
(c) Only stoppage of bodily action does not help
Bodily action means function of the senses and stopping the senses means stopping all bodily action
But the mind is always active, even though the body may be silent e.g. dreaming
Therefore the soul has to be directly engaged with the Supreme, then all other subordinates (intelligence, mind etc) follow o Ref. Katha Upanisad: Soul is referred to as “mahan” because superior to all, senses, mind and intelligence o Ref. Bg. 2.59: “param drstva nivartate…” – Higher taste
(d) Solution to the whole problem
Directly understanding the constitutional position of soul is the real solution
By complete surrender unto the Supreme Personality of Godhead o By intelligence one engages the mind in Krishna consciousness o Analogy: Even though the senses are very strong like serpents, they will no more effective than serpents with broken fangs
(e) CAUTION! Even though the soul is the master of intelligence and mind, and the senses also, still, unless it is strengthed by association with Krishna in Krishna consciousness, there is every chance of falling down due to the agitated mind.
Text 3.43
THEME : Steady the mind by deliberate spiritual intelligence (Krishna consciousness)
Knowing that the soul is higher than material senses, mind and intelligence, take strength to defeat the enemy
By spiritual strength conquer this insatiable enemy lust
IMPORTANT POINTS :
Images of lust arise in the mind and attack the intelligence. If defeated, the intelligence is commandeered to make plans for fulfilling the lusty desires of the mind.
Thus lust enters through the senses and conquers the mind and intelligence.
Learnings from Purport 3.43
(a) Essence of Chapter 3
Do not give up work and prescribed duties all of a sudden.
Greatest enemy of conditioned soul – Desire for over-lording and for sense gratification, which are manifestations of lust.
Gradually develop Krishna consciousness and then one can be situated in a transcendental position unaffected by mind and senses – by the help of steady intelligence directed towards one’s pure identity.
Chapter 3 is conclusively directed towards Krishna consciousness by knowing oneself as the eternal servitor of the Supreme Personality of Godhead and not the impersonal voidness as the ultimate end.
(b) In Immature stage – ‘philosophical speculations’ and ‘artificial attempts to control senses by yoga’ fails to help
Recommendation: One must be trained in Krishna Consciousness by higher intelligence
SUMMARISED THEME 3D
CONCLUSION – HOW TO FIGHT LUST (3.40 – 3.43)
Regulate senses
Because the intelligence and mind are difficult to control, one begins by regulating the senses
How to regulate the senses o By devotional service according to sastra o Under guru’s direction
Engage soul in Krishna consciousness
One can attack the lust in mind and intelligence by contemplating that he is spiritual, superior to the dictates of the senses, mind and intelligence. He can thus practice acting on the platform of spiritual desire (Krishna consciousness) rather than material lust.
Intelligence is strengthened
Mind is engaged in Krishna consciousness
Mind engages senses which become serpents with broken fangs (Analogy
As part and parcel of the Supreme, he is originally spiritual, pure and free from all material contaminations
Therefore he is not subject to the sins of the material world
(b) Perverted nature of living entity
When living entity is in contact with material nature, he acts in many sinful ways without hesitation.
Sometimes against his own will – He is forced to act even if he doesn’t want to
(c) Link between 3.36 & 3.37: What impels sinful action – Supersoul or not?
Sinful actions are not impelled by the Supersoul within, but are caused by another cause mentioned in Text 3.37
Text 3.37
THEME : Lust is that force which impels one to act sinfully
Characteristics of lust: 1. Born of mode of passion 2. Changes into wrath (born of the mode of ignorance) 3. Forces us to act sinfully 4. All-devouring greatest enemy of living entity
IMPORTANT POINTS :
Lust also has its origin in transcendence.
Lust originates when the soul’s inherent love for Krishna is refracted back upon himself.
Thus lust, the intense desire to please one’s senses, is a reflection of the soul’s original intense desire to please Krishna’s senses.
Learnings from Purport 3.37
(a) When and what contact transforms ‘love’ into ‘lust’
Living entity comes in contact with material creation and eternal love for Krishna transforms into lust, in association with the mode of passion
Analogy: Milk in contact with sour tamarind transforms into yoghurt
(b) Elevate passion (lust) into mode of goodness & not degrade into mode of ignorance – How?
By the prescribed method of living and acting
Benefit – Then one can be saved from the degradation of wrath, by spiritual attachment
(c) Ever-blissful spiritual entities come to material world under lust. Why?
Because of misuse of their partial independence – service attitude is transformed into the propensity to Lord over
Purpose of material creation – To give facility to the conditioned souls to fulfill their lustful propensities
(d) When does living entity inquire about reality
When completely baffled by prolonged lustful activities
(e) One should inquire – What?
Inquire about the Supreme – Ref. Vedanta Sutra: “atatho brahma-jijnasa…”
Supreme – Who is He? – Ref. SB “janmady asya…” – The origin of everything is the Supreme Brahman
(f) What is origin of lust
The origin of everything is in the Supreme – Therefore origin of lust is also in the Supreme
(g) How to make ‘lust’ and ‘wrath’ be spiritualized, and thus making them our friends
By desiring everything for Krishna i.e. in Krishna consciousness. Examples: o Hanuman used his wrath for Lord Rama o Arjuna is induced to exhibit wrath on the battlefield
Text 3.38
THEME: Lust covers the living entity – 3 different degrees of covering
Fire covered by smoke
Mirror covered by dust
Embryo covered by womb
Learnings from Purport 3.38
(a) Comparisons of 3 levels of covering:
Smoke/fire – beginning of Krishna consciousness
Mirror/dust – cleansing by spiritual methods
Embryo/womb – knowledge completely covered
(b) Also another category of comparison:
Smoke/fire – consciousness of human beings
Mirror/dust – consciousness of birds and beasts
Embryo/womb – helpless like trees
(c) Human life is an opportunity
A chance to kindle fire of Krishna consciousness by careful handling of smoke.
One can conquer lust, by cultivation of Krishna consciousness under proper guidance.
Text 3.39
THEME: Further characteristics of lust
Covers the living entities pure consciousness
Lust is never satisfied
Analogy: Never satisfied, like fire which is never satisfied by constant supply of fuel (Ref. Manu Smrti)
IMPORTANT POINTS :
In a completely different analogy, Krishna compares lust to fire.
Lust is never satisfied with any amount of fuel: it simply grows as it is fed
The best way to stop lust is to stop feeding it and let it die
Learnings from Purport 3.39
(a) Analogy: Material world is like ‘Shackles of sex life’ (Maithunya-agara)
This is the punishment for living entities disobedient to the laws of God
(b) Lust – symbol of ignorance, because
Advancement of material civilization on the basis of sense gratification means increasing the duration of material existence.
So-called happiness from sense gratification is the ultimate enemy of the sense enjoyer.
Text 3.40 – 3.43
COMMON THEME : How to conquer the enemy – Lust.
Text 3.40
THEME : Know the 3 sitting places of lust – Senses, Mind and Intelligence
Learnings from Purport 3.40
(a) What are the repositories of lust – Mind and the senses
(b) Mind as center of all sense activities – Reservoir of ideas of sense gratification
(c) Intelligence – Capital and next-door neighbor
(d) Intelligence influences the spirit soul – How?
Lusty intelligence influences the spirit soul to acquire the false ego and identify itself with matter, and thus with the mind and senses
Spirit soul becomes addicted to enjoying the material senses and mistakes this as true happiness.
(e) False identification: Manifested in various ways (Ref. SB 10.84.13)
Identifying the body made of three elements with one’s own self
Considering the by-products of the body to be his kinsmen
Considering the land of birth worshipable
Goes to place of pilgrimage simply to take a bath rather than meet men of transcendental knowledge.
Text 3.41
THEME : Regulate the senses – Since the senses are the weakest, they are the easiest to begin conquering lust with. Therefore destroy lust in senses by following religious regulations.
Lust as destroyer of ‘jnana’ (knowledge) and ‘vijnana’ (self-realisation)
IMPORTANT POINTS :
One’s senses are influenced by lust when he feels attracted to pleasure and repulsed by pain.
The senses send images of desirable and undesirable objects to the mind.
Learnings from Purport 3.41
(a) What is ‘jnana’ and ‘vijnana’
Jnana – Knowledge of the self as distinguished from the non-self
Vijnana – Specific knowledge of the spirit soul’s constitutional position and his relationship to the Supreme Soul
(b) Learn Krishna Consciousness from Bhagavad-gita
Ref. SB 2.9.31: “The knowledge of self and Superself is very confidential and has to be understood as explained by the Lord Himself”
What is Krishna Consciousness based on Bhagavad-gita? o Living entities are part and parcel of the Lord, and simply meant to serve the Lord
(c) Krishna consciousness protect love from deteriorating into lust
Lust is only the perverted reflection of ‘Love of God’, which is natural for every living entity
Krishna conscious education from the very beginning prevents that natural love from deteriorating into lust
When ‘love of God’ deteriorates into lust, it is very difficult to return to the normal condition.
(d) Power of Krishna Consciousness – ‘Even a late beginner benefits and can become a lover of God by following the regulative principles of devotional service.
SUMMARISED THEME 3C
CHARACTERISTICS OF LUST (3.37 – 3.41)
Born of mode of passion (3.37)
Changes into wrath (born of the mode of ignorance) (3.37)
Forces us to act sinfully (3.37)
All-devouring greatest enemy of living entity (3.37)
Covers the living entity’s pure consciousness (3.38)
As smoke covers fire
Mirror covered by dust
Embryo covered by womb
Lust is never satisfied, like fire (3.39)
Sitting places of lust – Senses, Mind and Intelligence (3.40)
Covers jnana (knowledge) and vijana (self-realisation) (3.41)
Text 3.42
THEME : Hierarchy of sitting places of lust
Working senses are superior to dull matter
Mind is higher than the senses
Intelligence is higher than the mind
Soul is higher than the intelligence
Learnings from Purport 3.42
(a) Senses are superior to matter, because
The senses are different outlets for the activities of lust
(b) Solution to the whole problem
Understand the constitution of the soul and engage in the direct connection with Krishna in Krishna-Consciousness.
In Krishna Consciousness – these outlets (senses) are not in use to exhibit lust.
(c) Only stoppage of bodily action does not help
Bodily action means function of the senses and stopping the senses means stopping all bodily action
But the mind is always active, even though the body may be silent e.g. dreaming
Therefore the soul has to be directly engaged with the Supreme, then all other subordinates (intelligence, mind etc) follow o Ref. Katha Upanisad: Soul is referred to as “mahan” because superior to all, senses, mind and intelligence o Ref. Bg. 2.59: “param drstva nivartate…” – Higher taste
(d) Solution to the whole problem
Directly understanding the constitutional position of soul is the real solution
By complete surrender unto the Supreme Personality of Godhead o By intelligence one engages the mind in Krishna consciousness o Analogy: Even though the senses are very strong like serpents, they will no more effective than serpents with broken fangs
(e) CAUTION! Even though the soul is the master of intelligence and mind, and the senses also, still, unless it is strengthed by association with Krishna in Krishna consciousness, there is every chance of falling down due to the agitated mind.
Text 3.43
THEME : Steady the mind by deliberate spiritual intelligence (Krishna consciousness)
Knowing that the soul is higher than material senses, mind and intelligence, take strength to defeat the enemy
By spiritual strength conquer this insatiable enemy lust
IMPORTANT POINTS :
Images of lust arise in the mind and attack the intelligence. If defeated, the intelligence is commandeered to make plans for fulfilling the lusty desires of the mind.
Thus lust enters through the senses and conquers the mind and intelligence.
Learnings from Purport 3.43
(a) Essence of Chapter 3
Do not give up work and prescribed duties all of a sudden.
Greatest enemy of conditioned soul – Desire for over-lording and for sense gratification, which are manifestations of lust.
Gradually develop Krishna consciousness and then one can be situated in a transcendental position unaffected by mind and senses – by the help of steady intelligence directed towards one’s pure identity.
Chapter 3 is conclusively directed towards Krishna consciousness by knowing oneself as the eternal servitor of the Supreme Personality of Godhead and not the impersonal voidness as the ultimate end.
(b) In Immature stage – ‘philosophical speculations’ and ‘artificial attempts to control senses by yoga’ fails to help
Recommendation: One must be trained in Krishna Consciousness by higher intelligence
SUMMARISED THEME 3D
CONCLUSION – HOW TO FIGHT LUST (3.40 – 3.43)
Regulate senses
Because the intelligence and mind are difficult to control, one begins by regulating the senses
How to regulate the senses o By devotional service according to sastra o Under guru’s direction
Engage soul in Krishna consciousness
One can attack the lust in mind and intelligence by contemplating that he is spiritual, superior to the dictates of the senses, mind and intelligence. He can thus practice acting on the platform of spiritual desire (Krishna consciousness) rather than material lust.
Intelligence is strengthened
Mind is engaged in Krishna consciousness
Mind engages senses which become serpents with broken fangs (Analogy
The arch-enemy of spiritual advancement is lust. One can curb lust by following regulations of religious life (sense control) and by cultivating knowledge of the soul’s real nature.
LINK WITH PREVIOUS SECTION : Next, Arjuna asks an important question. After hearing Text 3.34, one may determinedly think, “Yes, from today onward I will steadily do my duty and control my attachments and aversions. I will act only according to sastra.” Experience teaches, however, that such immediate inspirations may prove difficult to adhere to over time. Arjuna, being aware of reality, asks the following question.
Text 3.36
THEME : Arjuna’s enquiry – There is some force that pushes one to abandon duty and act sinfully, even against one’s own will. What is that force?
Learnings from Purport 3.36
(a) Original nature of living entity
As part and parcel of the Supreme, he is originally spiritual, pure and free from all material contaminations
Therefore he is not subject to the sins of the material world
(b) Perverted nature of living entity
When living entity is in contact with material nature, he acts in many sinful ways without hesitation.
Sometimes against his own will – He is forced to act even if he doesn’t want to
(c) Link between 3.36 & 3.37: What impels sinful action – Supersoul or not?
Sinful actions are not impelled by the Supersoul within, but are caused by another cause mentioned in Text 3.37
Text 3.37
THEME : Lust is that force which impels one to act sinfully
Characteristics of lust: 1. Born of mode of passion 2. Changes into wrath (born of the mode of ignorance) 3. Forces us to act sinfully 4. All-devouring greatest enemy of living entity
IMPORTANT POINTS :
Lust also has its origin in transcendence.
Lust originates when the soul’s inherent love for Krishna is refracted back upon himself.
Thus lust, the intense desire to please one’s senses, is a reflection of the soul’s original intense desire to please Krishna’s senses.
Learnings from Purport 3.37
(a) When and what contact transforms ‘love’ into ‘lust’
Living entity comes in contact with material creation and eternal love for Krishna transforms into lust, in association with the mode of passion
Analogy: Milk in contact with sour tamarind transforms into yoghurt
(b) Elevate passion (lust) into mode of goodness & not degrade into mode of ignorance – How?
By the prescribed method of living and acting
Benefit – Then one can be saved from the degradation of wrath, by spiritual attachment
(c) Ever-blissful spiritual entities come to material world under lust. Why?
Because of misuse of their partial independence – service attitude is transformed into the propensity to Lord over
Purpose of material creation – To give facility to the conditioned souls to fulfill their lustful propensities
(d) When does living entity inquire about reality
When completely baffled by prolonged lustful activities
(e) One should inquire – What?
Inquire about the Supreme – Ref. Vedanta Sutra: “atatho brahma-jijnasa…”
Supreme – Who is He? – Ref. SB “janmady asya…” – The origin of everything is the Supreme Brahman
(f) What is origin of lust
The origin of everything is in the Supreme – Therefore origin of lust is also in the Supreme
(g) How to make ‘lust’ and ‘wrath’ be spiritualized, and thus making them our friends
By desiring everything for Krishna i.e. in Krishna consciousness. Examples: o Hanuman used his wrath for Lord Rama o Arjuna is induced to exhibit wrath on the battlefield
Text 3.38
THEME: Lust covers the living entity – 3 different degrees of covering
Fire covered by smoke
Mirror covered by dust
Embryo covered by womb
Learnings from Purport 3.38
(a) Comparisons of 3 levels of covering:
Smoke/fire – beginning of Krishna consciousness
Mirror/dust – cleansing by spiritual methods
Embryo/womb – knowledge completely covered
(b) Also another category of comparison:
Smoke/fire – consciousness of human beings
Mirror/dust – consciousness of birds and beasts
Embryo/womb – helpless like trees
(c) Human life is an opportunity
A chance to kindle fire of Krishna consciousness by careful handling of smoke.
One can conquer lust, by cultivation of Krishna consciousness under proper guidance.
Text 3.39
THEME: Further characteristics of lust
Covers the living entities pure consciousness
Lust is never satisfied
Analogy: Never satisfied, like fire which is never satisfied by constant supply of fuel (Ref. Manu Smrti)
IMPORTANT POINTS :
In a completely different analogy, Krishna compares lust to fire.
Lust is never satisfied with any amount of fuel: it simply grows as it is fed
The best way to stop lust is to stop feeding it and let it die
Learnings from Purport 3.39
(a) Analogy: Material world is like ‘Shackles of sex life’ (Maithunya-agara)
This is the punishment for living entities disobedient to the laws of God
(b) Lust – symbol of ignorance, because
Advancement of material civilization on the basis of sense gratification means increasing the duration of material existence.
So-called happiness from sense gratification is the ultimate enemy of the sense enjoyer.
Text 3.40 – 3.43
COMMON THEME : How to conquer the enemy – Lust.
Text 3.40
THEME : Know the 3 sitting places of lust – Senses, Mind and Intelligence
Learnings from Purport 3.40
(a) What are the repositories of lust – Mind and the senses
(b) Mind as center of all sense activities – Reservoir of ideas of sense gratification
(c) Intelligence – Capital and next-door neighbor
(d) Intelligence influences the spirit soul – How?
Lusty intelligence influences the spirit soul to acquire the false ego and identify itself with matter, and thus with the mind and senses
Spirit soul becomes addicted to enjoying the material senses and mistakes this as true happiness.
(e) False identification: Manifested in various ways (Ref. SB 10.84.13)
Identifying the body made of three elements with one’s own self
Considering the by-products of the body to be his kinsmen
Considering the land of birth worshipable
Goes to place of pilgrimage simply to take a bath rather than meet men of transcendental knowledge.
Text 3.41
THEME : Regulate the senses – Since the senses are the weakest, they are the easiest to begin conquering lust with. Therefore destroy lust in senses by following religious regulations.
Lust as destroyer of ‘jnana’ (knowledge) and ‘vijnana’ (self-realisation)
IMPORTANT POINTS :
One’s senses are influenced by lust when he feels attracted to pleasure and repulsed by pain.
The senses send images of desirable and undesirable objects to the mind.
Learnings from Purport 3.41
(a) What is ‘jnana’ and ‘vijnana’
Jnana – Knowledge of the self as distinguished from the non-self
Vijnana – Specific knowledge of the spirit soul’s constitutional position and his relationship to the Supreme Soul
(b) Learn Krishna Consciousness from Bhagavad-gita
Ref. SB 2.9.31: “The knowledge of self and Superself is very confidential and has to be understood as explained by the Lord Himself”
What is Krishna Consciousness based on Bhagavad-gita? o Living entities are part and parcel of the Lord, and simply meant to serve the Lord
(c) Krishna consciousness protect love from deteriorating into lust
Lust is only the perverted reflection of ‘Love of God’, which is natural for every living entity
Krishna conscious education from the very beginning prevents that natural love from deteriorating into lust
When ‘love of God’ deteriorates into lust, it is very difficult to return to the normal condition.
(d) Power of Krishna Consciousness – ‘Even a late beginner benefits and can become a lover of God by following the regulative principles of devotional service.
SUMMARISED THEME 3C
CHARACTERISTICS OF LUST (3.37 – 3.41)
Born of mode of passion (3.37)
Changes into wrath (born of the mode of ignorance) (3.37)
Forces us to act sinfully (3.37)
All-devouring greatest enemy of living entity (3.37)
Covers the living entity’s pure consciousness (3.38)
As smoke covers fire
Mirror covered by dust
Embryo covered by womb
Lust is never satisfied, like fire (3.39)
Sitting places of lust – Senses, Mind and Intelligence (3.40)
Covers jnana (knowledge) and vijana (self-realisation) (3.41)
Text 3.42
THEME : Hierarchy of sitting places of lust
Working senses are superior to dull matter
Mind is higher than the senses
Intelligence is higher than the mind
Soul is higher than the intelligence
Learnings from Purport 3.42
(a) Senses are superior to matter, because
The senses are different outlets for the activities of lust
(b) Solution to the whole problem
Understand the constitution of the soul and engage in the direct connection with Krishna in Krishna-Consciousness.
In Krishna Consciousness – these outlets (senses) are not in use to exhibit lust.
(c) Only stoppage of bodily action does not help
Bodily action means function of the senses and stopping the senses means stopping all bodily action
But the mind is always active, even though the body may be silent e.g. dreaming
Therefore the soul has to be directly engaged with the Supreme, then all other subordinates (intelligence, mind etc) follow o Ref. Katha Upanisad: Soul is referred to as “mahan” because superior to all, senses, mind and intelligence o Ref. Bg. 2.59: “param drstva nivartate…” – Higher taste
(d) Solution to the whole problem
Directly understanding the constitutional position of soul is the real solution
By complete surrender unto the Supreme Personality of Godhead o By intelligence one engages the mind in Krishna consciousness o Analogy: Even though the senses are very strong like serpents, they will no more effective than serpents with broken fangs
(e) CAUTION! Even though the soul is the master of intelligence and mind, and the senses also, still, unless it is strengthed by association with Krishna in Krishna consciousness, there is every chance of falling down due to the agitated mind.
Text 3.43
THEME : Steady the mind by deliberate spiritual intelligence (Krishna consciousness)
Knowing that the soul is higher than material senses, mind and intelligence, take strength to defeat the enemy
By spiritual strength conquer this insatiable enemy lust
IMPORTANT POINTS :
Images of lust arise in the mind and attack the intelligence. If defeated, the intelligence is commandeered to make plans for fulfilling the lusty desires of the mind.
Thus lust enters through the senses and conquers the mind and intelligence.
Learnings from Purport 3.43
(a) Essence of Chapter 3
Do not give up work and prescribed duties all of a sudden.
Greatest enemy of conditioned soul – Desire for over-lording and for sense gratification, which are manifestations of lust.
Gradually develop Krishna consciousness and then one can be situated in a transcendental position unaffected by mind and senses – by the help of steady intelligence directed towards one’s pure identity.
Chapter 3 is conclusively directed towards Krishna consciousness by knowing oneself as the eternal servitor of the Supreme Personality of Godhead and not the impersonal voidness as the ultimate end.
(b) In Immature stage – ‘philosophical speculations’ and ‘artificial attempts to control senses by yoga’ fails to help
Recommendation: One must be trained in Krishna Consciousness by higher intelligence
SUMMARISED THEME 3D
CONCLUSION – HOW TO FIGHT LUST (3.40 – 3.43)
Regulate senses
Because the intelligence and mind are difficult to control, one begins by regulating the senses
How to regulate the senses o By devotional service according to sastra o Under guru’s direction
Engage soul in Krishna consciousness
One can attack the lust in mind and intelligence by contemplating that he is spiritual, superior to the dictates of the senses, mind and intelligence. He can thus practice acting on the platform of spiritual desire (Krishna consciousness) rather than material lust.
Intelligence is strengthened
Mind is engaged in Krishna consciousness
Mind engages senses which become serpents with broken fangs (Analogy