Chapter 18 Verse 28
Mokṣha Sanyās Yog
अयुक्तः प्राकृतः स्तब्धः शठो नैष्कृतिकोऽलसः।विषादी दीर्घसूत्री च कर्ता तामस उच्यते।।18.28।।
ayuktaḥ prākṛitaḥ stabdhaḥ śhaṭho naiṣhkṛitiko ‘lasaḥ viṣhādī dīrgha-sūtrī cha kartā tāmasa uchyate
Word Meanings
| ayuktaḥ | undisciplined |
| prākṛitaḥ | vulgar |
| stabdhaḥ | obstinate |
| śhaṭhaḥ | cunning |
| naiṣhkṛitikaḥ | dishonest or vile |
| alasaḥ | slothful |
| viṣhādī | unhappy and morose |
| dīrgha-sūtrī | procrastinating |
| cha | and |
| kartā | performer |
| tāmasaḥ | in the mode of ignorance |
| uchyate | is said to be |
Translation
Unsteady, vulgar, inflexible, deceitful, malicious, lazy, despondent, and procrastinating—such an agent is called Tamasic.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse describes the tamasic person—one who is dull, lazy, untruthful, stubborn, and stuck. These qualities arise from ignorance and lead to harm for oneself and others.
Philosophically, tamas means being bound by heaviness and confusion. It makes the mind slow to act, quick to excuse, and blind to higher purpose. Such a state prevents clear judgment and spiritual growth.
Spiritually, recognizing these traits is the first step. Moving away from tamas requires small, steady changes: clear choices, honest action, and simple discipline that bring light and clarity into everyday life.
Life Application
- Notice and name one tamasic habit (procrastination, gossip, hiding truth) and set a tiny, specific step to change it today (e.g., work 10 minutes on a task, speak one honest sentence).
- Build a simple daily routine: wake at a steady time, do light movement, eat fresh food, and finish one promised task before starting another.
- Practice small truths and follow-through: keep promises to yourself and others to weaken laziness and deceit.
Reflection Question
What small honest action can I take right now to move out of heaviness and into clarity?