रागी कर्मफलप्रेप्सुर्लुब्धो हिंसात्मकोऽशुचि: | हर्षशोकान्वित: कर्ता राजस: परिकीर्तित: || 27 || |
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Commentary
Lord Krishna describes the characteristics of a person who performs actions in the mode of passion (rajas gunā). Let’s delve into the meaning of each line:
Ragi: One who is attached. This person is deeply attached to desires, possessions, and outcomes. He is driven by cravings and personal attachments, seeking gratification and fulfillment through external objects or achievements.
Karmaphalaprepsuh: Desirous of the fruits of action. Such an individual is motivated by the anticipation of rewards and benefits. He performs actions with the intention of achieving specific outcomes or rewards, often seeking personal gain or recognition.
Lubdhah: Greedy. This person is characterized by a strong desire for acquisition and accumulation. He is driven by avarice and a constant craving for more, whether it be material possessions, power, or control.
Himsaatmako: Violent. This refers to a person who resorts to aggression, harm, or exploitation in pursuit of desires or in achieving goals. He may harm others physically, emotionally, or mentally to fulfill selfish interests.
Ashuchi: Impure. This person is morally and spiritually impure. He lacks ethical conduct and engages in actions that are unethical, deceitful, or harmful. His thoughts, intentions, and actions are tainted by impurity and lack a sense of integrity.
Harsha-shoka-anvitah: Elated and sorrowful. Such an individual experiences extreme fluctuations in their emotional state. He may become elated when he achieves success or acquire desired objects, but also experiences deep sorrow, disappointment, or frustration when faced with failures, losses, or unfulfilled desires.
A person characterized by these qualities is considered to be in the mode of passion (rajas gunā). They are driven by personal desires, attachment to outcomes, and a strong sense of ego. Their actions are often motivated by self-interest, ambition, and the pursuit of material gains.
Due to their attachment and desire for personal gratification, they may resort to aggressive or manipulative means to achieve their goals. Their behavior and actions lack ethical considerations and may cause harm to others or themselves.
Additionally, their emotional state is volatile, swinging between temporary highs and lows based on the fulfillment or non-fulfillment of personal desires. He experiences elation when his desires are fulfilled, but also suffers from sorrow, disappointment, or frustration when his expectations are not met.
It is important to note that performing actions predominantly in the mode of passion can hinder one’s spiritual progress and lead to inner turmoil, dissatisfaction, and bondage to the material world.
In summary, a person in the mode of passion is driven by attachment, desires, greed, violence, impurity, and fluctuating emotions. His actions are motivated by personal gain and the pursuit of external gratification. Such a rajasic mode of functioning hinders spiritual growth and overall well-being.