Bhagavad Gita Verse 3.38

Thin Silver Layer – In Gita Verse 3.38 As fire is covered by smoke, as a mirror is covered by dust, or as the embryo is covered by the womb, the living entity is similarly covered by different degrees of this lust.

In the Bhagavad Gita Verse 3.38, Krishna articulates a profound metaphor, comparing the obscuring effect of lust on knowledge to fire shrouded by smoke, a mirror covered by dust, and an embryo enveloped by the womb. This metaphor serves as a powerful illustration of how desires can obscure our true understanding and consciousness. Understanding this sutra is crucial for spiritual growth and self-realisation.

Knowledge, as described in this context, is inherent and ever-present, not something to be attained anew. Spirituality suggests that we can only realise what we already possess. This concept may seem paradoxical, yet it is fundamental to spiritual teachings. The essence of enlightenment lies in uncovering the knowledge that is already within us, rather than acquiring something external. Buddha’s enlightenment serves as a testament to this principle. When questioned about his attainment, Buddha emphasised that he lost ignorance and realised the knowledge that was always present within him.

The analogy of fire covered by smoke illustrates that knowledge is not something to be gained; rather, it is revealed once the obscuring elements are removed. Similarly, the sun does not need to be attained when covered by clouds; it simply becomes visible once the clouds disperse. This principle applies to knowledge, which is latent and awaits manifestation. The difference between the ignorant and the knowledgeable is merely the presence of additional obscuring elements, such as smoke or clouds. The knowledgeable person has shed these layers, revealing the inherent knowledge within.

It is essential to understand that even in the depths of ignorance, knowledge remains present. No matter how far one strays from the path of understanding, the potential for enlightenment is never lost. Ignorance, in this context, is not the absence of knowledge but rather the concealment of it. The presence of ignorance indicates the existence of underlying knowledge, much like smoke signifies the presence of fire. Ignorance cannot exist without knowledge, just as smoke cannot exist without fire.

This understanding provides hope for the ignorant and humility for the wise. The ignorant need not despair, as their knowledge is merely unmanifested, while the wise should not become arrogant, as their knowledge is simply revealed. The journey from ignorance to knowledge involves shedding the layers that obscure our understanding and realising the inherent wisdom within.

Krishna’s teachings transcend the individual experience of Arjuna, offering insights applicable to all of us. They highlight how our consciousness can become obscured by external influences, preventing us from recognising our inherent divinity. This concept is aptly illustrated by the story of the Thin Silver Layer:

A prosperous Jewish man sought guidance from a Hassidic mystic, expressing his struggle with prayer due to overwhelming personal desires. Despite his charitable intentions, he admitted that underlying greed and self-interest tainted his actions. His sacrifices were motivated by expectations of greater returns. He confessed, “Even with closed eyes, I fail to perceive any divine presence. I am consumed by my ego. What should I do? What causes this struggle?”

The mystic invited him to a window, where they observed the world outside – trees, birds, and clouds in the sky. The mystic asked, “Do you see everything clearly?”

“Yes,” the man replied, “the glass is clear and transparent.”

The mystic then directed him to a mirror, asking, “What difference do you notice between this glass and the previous one?”

The man saw only his reflection and not the world beyond.

“Both are made of glass,” the mystic explained. “What distinguishes them?”

The man laughed, understanding the lesson. “I see! The difference is a thin silver layer. The window glass lacks this, allowing me to see beyond. The mirror’s silver backing reflects only myself. I realise now that a metaphorical silver layer obscures my view of the divine, making me see only myself.”

Desires, whether worldly or spiritual, form this silver layer that surrounds us. Self-consciousness emerges only when the mind, with its accumulated desires and knowledge, is set aside. Meditation and spiritual practices aim to transcend the mind, allowing us to access our true self-consciousness. The mind, with its limitations and mediocrity, blocks the natural flow of self-awareness. By discarding the mind’s constraints, we can live in the present moment, free from the burdens of the past and the anxieties of the future.

Krishna’s teachings remind us of the “Thin Silver Layer” that hinders our clarity and understanding of our true nature. When we operate from a state of self-unconsciousness, we see only our reflection, influenced by external factors. However, by cultivating self-consciousness, we can perceive the whole, recognising our inherent divinity. This journey involves shedding the layers of desires and external influences, allowing us to realise the knowledge and godliness that reside within us.