Thus having known Him who is beyond the understanding (buddhi), having steadied the self (ātman) by the self (ātman), Slay the enemy, O Great-armed one (Mahābāho), whose form is desire (kāma), which is difficult to approach.
Knowing the self beyond understanding, sustain the self with the self. Great Warrior, kill the enemy menacing you in the form of desire!
(43) So know him who is yet higher than the soul, and make firm [this] self yourself. Vanquish the enemy, Arjuna! [Swift is he] to change his form, and hard is he to conquer.
3.43 [The Ast, introduces this verse with, 'Tataḥ kim, what follows from that?'-Tr.] Understanding the Self thus [Understanding...thus: that desires can be conquered through the knowledge of the Self.] as superior to the intellect, and completely establishing (the Self) is spiritual absorption with the (help of) the mind, O mighty-armed one, vanquish the enemy in the form of desire, which is difficult to subdue.
3.43 Thus, knowing that which is higher than the intellect and fixing the mind with the help of the intellect in Karma Yoga, O Arjuna, slay this enemy which wears the form of desire, and which is difficult to overcome.
3.43 Thus knowing Him Who is superior to the intellect and restraining the self by the Self, slay thou, O mighty-armed Arjuna, the enemy in the form of desire, hard to conquer.