Chapter 18 Verse 24
Mokṣha Sanyās Yog
यत्तु कामेप्सुना कर्म साहङ्कारेण वा पुनः।क्रियते बहुलायासं तद्राजसमुदाहृतम्।।18.24।।
yat tu kāmepsunā karma sāhankāreṇa vā punaḥ kriyate bahulāyāsaṁ tad rājasam udāhṛitam
Word Meanings
| yat | which |
| tu | but |
| kāma-īpsunā | prompted by selfish desire |
| karma | action |
| sa-ahaṅkāreṇa | with pride |
| vā | or |
| punaḥ | again |
| kriyate | enacted |
| bahula-āyāsam | stressfully |
| tat | that |
| rājasam | in the nature of passion |
| udāhṛitam | is said to be |
Translation
But that action which is done by one longing for the fulfillment of desires or gain with egotism or with much effort is declared to be Rajasic (passionate).
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse says actions done for personal desire, gain, or out of pride are rajasic — driven by passion and attachment. When we act mainly to satisfy wants or to boost the ego, the work becomes stressful and binding.
Such actions keep the mind restless and tied to results. Even if effort is strong, the motive makes the action less pure and more likely to create further craving and disturbance.
Life Application
- Before acting, check your motive: are you seeking praise, gain, or simply doing what needs to be done?
- Choose steady, mindful effort over frantic striving; do your duty but reduce attachment to outcomes.
- When you notice stress or ego in your choices, pause and shift the focus from personal reward to service or learning.
Reflection Question
What desire or pride am I feeding with my current actions?