Chapter 14 Verse 7
Guṇa Traya Vibhāg Yog
रजो रागात्मकं विद्धि तृष्णासङ्गसमुद्भवम्।तन्निबध्नाति कौन्तेय कर्मसङ्गेन देहिनम्।।14.7।।
rajo rāgātmakaṁ viddhi tṛiṣhṇā-saṅga-samudbhavam tan nibadhnāti kaunteya karma-saṅgena dehinam
Word Meanings
| rajaḥ | mode of passion |
| rāga-ātmakam | of the nature of passion |
| viddhi | know |
| tṛiṣhṇā | desires |
| saṅga | association |
| samudbhavam | arises from |
| tat | that |
| nibadhnāti | binds |
| kaunteya | Arjun, the son of Kunti |
| karma-saṅgena | through attachment to fruitive actions |
| dehinam | the embodied soul |
Translation
Know, O Arjuna, that Rajas is of the nature of passion, the source of thirst and attachment; it binds fast the embodied one by attachment to action.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
Rajas is the quality of active desire and passion. It creates thirst for things, people, and results, and keeps the mind restless and driven.
When actions are done with attachment to outcome, that attachment binds the embodied soul. In other words, doing things because we want a certain reward or recognition ties us to repeated wanting and suffering.
Rajas itself is not only negative — it gives energy and movement — but when it is motivated by craving, it leads to bondage rather than freedom.
Life Application
- Before acting, ask whether you are doing it for growth or for a reward; try to focus on the work rather than the praise or payoff.
- Practice short pauses or breath checks when desire pulls you; this weakens impulsive reactions and reduces repeated chasing.
- Use steady routines (sleep, simple meals, regular work) to calm restless drive and balance passionate urges.
Reflection Question
What outcome or craving is currently directing my actions?