The Yoga of Action

After revealing desire's insatiable nature, Krishna pinpoints where it operates. 'Indriyāṇi mano buddhir asyādhiṣṭhānam'—the senses, mind, and intellect are its seats (adhiṣṭhānam). Three levels: physical cravings (indriyāṇi), emotional neediness for validation and approval (manaḥ), and intellectual attachment to being right (buddhiḥ). Most people recognize sensory desires but miss the subtler mental and intellectual ones. 'Etair vimohayaty eṣa jñānam āvṛtya'—through these three, desire covers (āvṛtya) your wisdom, leaving you deluded even when you know better.