Beware of Lust

May 25, 2026

  K SIVA PRASAD- Retired senior IAS officer in the Punjab Government.

Arjuna asks, “Then by what is a person impelled to commit sin, even against their own will, as if compelled by force?” (3.36). This is the most common question that arises with the very first glimmer of awareness. Lord Krishna replies, “It is Kama (desire)—born of the Rajo-guna (the quality of passion)—that transforms into anger; it is insatiable in its craving for sensual pleasures and is a great sinner. Know this alone to be the enemy in this regard” (3.37).

Attachment to action is the hallmark of the Rajo-guna, and it stems from desire. Much like in the case of a car, speed is a characteristic born of the Rajo-guna, and the accelerator serves as the instrument to achieve it. Similarly, slowing down or inertia is the nature of Tamas (the quality of darkness/inertia), and the brakes act as the mechanism for this. The driver represents the Sattva-guna (the quality of goodness/ purity), maintaining a balance between acceleration and braking to ensure a smooth and safe ride. The speedometer serves as a tool for awareness. If this balance is disrupted, an accident is inevitable.

Kama—lust or desire—is, in essence, nothing more than a loss of balance in our lives. We invest immense energy in the pursuit of happiness—whether by striving to acquire material objects or people, or by seeking power and fame—yet, while fueling these desires with our energy, we remain completely oblivious to their consequences. When desire gains dominance over us, we lose all control. Anger is the natural outcome of unfulfilled desires.

The verse asserts that desires can never be truly satiated; indeed, the more we attempt to satisfy them, the more they multiply. The wealthy crave even greater riches, and those in power seek absolute authority. The proper approach is neither to repress these desires nor to indulge them. Lord Krishna advises us to be wary of them—to become fully aware the moment we find ourselves ensnared by lust or fear; it is this very awareness that will liberate us from their clutches.

(To be continued)