Finally,
this is better, that one do
His own task as he may, even though he fail, Than take tasks not his
own, though they seem good. To die performing duty is no ill; But
who seeks other roads shall wander still. Arjuna. Yet tell me,
Teacher! by what force doth man Go to his ill, unwilling; as if one
Pushed him that evil path? Krishna. Kama it is! Passion it is! born
of the Darknesses, Which pushed him. Mighty of appetite,
Sinful, and strong is this!- man's enemy! As smoke blots the
white fire, as clinging rust Mars the bright mirror, as the
womb surrounds The babe unborn, so is the world of things Foiled,
soiled, enclosed in this desire of flesh.
The wise fall, caught in it; the
unresting foe It is of wisdom, wearing countless forms, Fair but
deceitful, subtle as a flame. Sense, mind, and reason- these, O
Kunti's Son! Are booty for it; in its play with these It maddens
man, beguiling, blinding him. Therefore, thou noblest child of
Bharata! Govern thy heart! Constrain th' entangled sense! Resist the
false, soft sinfulness which saps Knowledge and judgment!
Yea, the world is strong But what discerns
it stronger, and the mind
Strongest; and high o'er all the ruling Soul. Wherefore, perceiving
Him who reigns supreme, Put forth full force of Soul in thy own
soul! Fight! vanquish foes and doubts, dear Hero! slay What haunts
thee in fond shapes, and would betray!
HERE ENDETH CHAPTER III OF THE
BHAGAVAD-GITA, Entitled "Karma-Yog," Or "The Book of
Virtue in Work."
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