Chapter 18 Verse 25
Mokṣha Sanyās Yog
अनुबन्धं क्षयं हिंसामनपेक्ष्य च पौरुषम्।मोहादारभ्यते कर्म यत्तत्तामसमुच्यते।।18.25।।
anubandhaṁ kṣhayaṁ hinsām anapekṣhya cha pauruṣham mohād ārabhyate karma yat tat tāmasam uchyate
Word Meanings
| anubandham | consequences |
| kṣhayam | loss |
| hinsām | injury |
| anapekṣhya | by disregarding |
| cha | and |
| pauruṣham | one’s own ability |
| mohāt | out of delusion |
| ārabhyate | is begun |
| karma | action |
| yat | which |
| tat | that |
| tāmasam | in the mode of ignorance |
| uchyate | is declared to be |
Translation
That action which is undertaken from delusion, without regard for the consequences, loss, injury, and one's own ability, is declared to be Tamasic (dark).
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse says that actions done out of confusion or delusion, without thinking about the results, harm to others or yourself, or whether you are able to do them, belong to the mode of ignorance (tamas). Such actions are careless and dark because they ignore reality and responsibility.
Spiritually, tamasic actions bind the mind and keep you stuck. When you act blindly, you create harm and loss for yourself and others, and you move away from freedom and clarity.
Life Application
- Before you act, pause and ask: Will this harm anyone? Can I realistically do this? Am I clear about why I am doing it?
- Avoid decisions made in anger, fear, or confusion; sleep on big choices, seek simple facts, or ask trusted people for help.
- If a past action caused harm because of confusion, admit it, make amends where possible, and learn a clearer way forward.
Reflection Question
Am I acting now from clear purpose or from confusion and impulse?