Chapter 18 Verse 22
Mokṣha Sanyās Yog
यत्तु कृत्स्नवदेकस्मिन्कार्ये सक्तमहैतुकम्।अतत्त्वार्थवदल्पं च तत्तामसमुदाहृतम्।।18.22।।
yat tu kṛitsna-vad ekasmin kārye saktam ahaitukam atattvārtha-vad alpaṁ cha tat tāmasam udāhṛitam
Word Meanings
| yat | which |
| tu | but |
| kṛitsna-vat | as if it encompasses the whole |
| ekasmin | in single |
| kārye | action |
| saktam | engrossed |
| ahaitukam | without a reason |
| atattva-artha-vat | not based on truth |
| alpam | fragmental |
| cha | and |
| tat | that |
| tāmasam | in the mode of ignorance |
| udāhṛitam | is said to be |
Translation
But that which clings to one single effect as if it were the whole, without reason, without any foundation in Truth, and is trivial—that is declared to be Tamasic.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
The verse points to a narrow, groundless attachment: when you hold onto one small outcome as if it were the whole purpose, without reason or truth, that attitude is called tamasic (born of ignorance). It mistakes a part for the whole and refuses to see larger reality.
Such clinging clouds judgment, blocks learning, and leads to actions that ignore deeper values or facts. Spiritually, it keeps the mind stuck and prevents freedom, because freedom needs clear sight and right motive, not blind fixation.
Life Application
- Before acting, ask whether your goal is based on truth and the bigger good, or just a small fear or desire.
- Practice stepping back: list other possible outcomes and long-term effects to break narrow focus.
- Choose honest reasons for action and cultivate detachment from single results; focus on doing the right thing rather than forcing one outcome.
Reflection Question
What small result am I treating as everything right now?