Verse 3.36

Verse 3.36: Arjuna spake: “By whom impelled, then, does this person commit sin, even though not wishing it, O Scion of Vrishni’s race, as though by force constrained?” (232)

Commentary called Jnaneshwari by Jnaneshwar:

O God, how does it happen that even wise men, as we often see, fall from the right path and are found wandering astray? For, they are indeed in possession of all knowledge and means to right conduct. What indeed may be the cause that makes them transgress their own religious duty and embrace the alien religion? A blind person cannot separate the seed from the chaff, but how should the wise get confused and fall into this grievous error. Those very persons that relinquish the path of normal actions, are again entangled into them and ever remain insatiate. Even dwellers in forests come and mix with human society. Those that had kept aloof and completely avoided sinful things are dragged to sinful career knowingly. The things, they were disgusted with, and tried to shun, are the very things they feel an urge for, and while attempting to evade them, they fall into the trap and embrace sin. In this way the wise themselves fall victims to sin and vice, what power may it be that is so strong that the wise are made prostrate; tell me kindly all this.