Verse 14.16 : Gunatraya Vibhaga Yoga "Three Modes of Nature"
Verse 16 of 27
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The Translation
“The fruit of good action is said to be pure and in the mode of goodness (Sattva). But the fruit of passion (Rajas) is misery, and the fruit of ignorance (Tamas) is darkness.”
Commentary & Insights
Krishna summarizes the final consequences or 'harvest' of actions performed under the influence of each of the three modes.
Practical Application
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Evaluate a major action you plan to take today: is it driven by passion (Rajas) or clarity (Sattva)? Ensure the seed matches the harvest you want.
Reflections & Notes
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Self-Reflection Prompts
- How can you identify the mode behind your actions by looking at their short-term and long-term consequences?
- If actions in the mode of passion lead to misery, why are we so often driven by desires and ambitions?
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14.16
कर्मणः सुकृतस्याहुः सात्त्विकं निर्मलं फलम्
Shankara comments that virtuous actions performed without attachment produce pure, clear knowledge as their fruit. Rajasic action, driven by egoism and desires, yields grief and anxiety. Tamasic action, characterized by lethargy and error, produces dullness and obstruction of intellect.