Chapter 18 Verse 35
Mokṣha Sanyās Yog
यया स्वप्नं भयं शोकं विषादं मदमेव च।न विमुञ्चति दुर्मेधा धृतिः सा पार्थ तामसी।।18.35।।
yayā svapnaṁ bhayaṁ śhokaṁ viṣhādaṁ madam eva cha na vimuñchati durmedhā dhṛitiḥ sā pārtha tāmasī
Word Meanings
| yayā | in which |
| svapnam | dreaming |
| bhayam | fearing |
| śhokam | grieving |
| viṣhādam | despair |
| madam | conceit |
| eva | indeed |
| cha | and |
| na | not |
| vimuñchati | give up |
| durmedhā | unintelligent |
| dhṛitiḥ | resolve |
| sā | that |
| pārtha | Arjun, the son of Pritha |
| tāmasī | in the mode of ignorance |
Translation
That firmness, O Arjuna, by which a stupid man does not abandon sleep, fear, grief, despair, and conceit, is Tamasic.
Philosophical Significance
Core Meaning
This verse shows a kind of "firmness" that is actually stubbornness born of ignorance (tamas). It describes a person who will not give up sleepiness, fear, constant grief, despair, or pride. That refusal to change is not strength but mental dullness.
The point is that real steadiness helps us grow and free ourselves. Clinging to harmful habits and emotions while calling it resolve only keeps us stuck. True spiritual firmness lets go of what harms us and supports wise action.
In short, firmness that preserves laziness, fear, sorrow, or ego is not a virtue. Wisdom recognizes when to release these states and move forward.
Life Application
- Notice when you defend a habit (oversleeping, rumination, or pride) as "who I am" and try one small change instead.
- Practice simple daily disciplines: regular sleep times, facing one fear step-by-step, and pausing before feeding pride.
- Use short mindful checks: name the feeling, ask if it helps you grow, then choose one helpful response.
Reflection Question
Am I holding on to a harmful habit or feeling and calling it my strength?