यत्तु कामेप्सुना कर्म साहङ्कारेण वा पुनः।क्रियते बहुलायासं तद्राजसमुदाहृतम्
Rajasika action is described as involving much strain and effort. It is performed by someone who seeks sense enjoyments or by a person full of egotism. Such action is driven by strong desires and attachment to outcomes.
The chapter distinguishes ways of understanding, acting, and persisting. Review both your motive and the effects of your work; determination is not helpful merely because it is intense.
Is my persistence helping, or do I need to reconsider the direction?
Write a private reflectionGo deeper into this verse
In Chapter 18, Verse 24, according to this teaching on That, who is considered to act with ahamkara, or egotism?
One who acts with ahamkara is a person who performs actions with self-centered motives, seeking personal recognition or superiority. The verse points out that actions done with this sense of self-importance are classified as Rajasika. Such a person is focused on their own gains and identity.
How does the verse define the motivation behind actions performed with 'bahulalaya', or intense longing?
The verse explains that actions performed with 'bahulalaya', meaning intense longing or desire, are motivated by a strong craving for enjoyment or results. This longing makes the action strenuous and restless, as the person is constantly seeking fulfillment through external achievements or pleasures.
What does it mean for an action to be done with 'kama-sukham', or the desire for pleasure?
An action done with 'kama-sukham' is driven by the desire for personal pleasure or enjoyment. The person performing such an action is primarily motivated by their own satisfaction and sensory pleasures. This attachment to pleasure causes agitation and binds the person to the fruits of their labor.
Why does the verse consider action accompanied by strain and desire to be Rajasika, rather than Sattvika or Tamasika?
The verse considers such action Rajasika because it is fueled by restless energy, ambition, and attachment to results. Unlike Sattvika action, which is performed selflessly and with stability, Rajasika action is full of passion and often leads to fatigue or dissatisfaction. It is also different from Tamasika action, which is marked by ignorance or inertia, as Rajasika action is active but self-centered and driven by desire.
But that action that is done by one longing for desires, or again with egoism, or with much effort, that is declared to be passionate.