Chapter 14 Shloka 7

रजो रागात्मकं विद्धि तृष्णासंगसमुद्भवम्।

तन्निबध्नाति कौन्तेय कर्मसंगेन देहिनम्।।७।।

The innate nature of the attribute of rajas

is raag or passion. This is the

originating source  of desire and attachment.

 O Arjuna, know that this attribute binds

the embodied soul with attachment to action.

Chapter 14 Shloka 7

रजो रागात्मकं विद्धि तृष्णासंगसमुद्भवम्।

तन्निबध्नाति कौन्तेय कर्मसंगेन देहिनम्।।७।।

Know also Arjuna:

The innate nature of the attribute of rajas is raag or passion. This is the originating source of desire and attachment. O Arjuna, know that this attribute binds the embodied soul with attachment to action.

Rajas guna

1. This quality promotes desire and greed.

2. Wherever one is attracted, greed erupts.

3. This attribute causes one to take pleasure in the gross.

4. Due to the effect of this attribute, the mortal being is immersed in thoughts of objects.

5. It is this attribute which makes the individual a partaker of gross objects.

6. One who possesses this attribute pursues the attainment of gross objects with great vigour and effort.

7. Desire and anger are born of this very attribute.

8. Duality and aberrations are its offspring.

9. The bondage of hope is caused by this attribute.

10. This attribute intensifies the thought processes.

11. Remorse and mental agony are caused by this attribute.

12. This attribute seeks satiation even at the cost of another’s sorrow.

13. It is ever unsatiated.

14. It is replete with pride and arrogance.

15. It directs the intellect towards preya or the path of degradation.

16. It uses knowledge for the satiation of desire.

17. The love of one imbued with rajas is only for his own desire fulfilment.

18. The one who possesses this attribute desires that others worship him.

19. He does not even know the term selfless action.

20. This attribute is predominantly egoistic.

21. This attribute knows how to become humble for the fulfilment of its desires and resumes its arrogant stance after its desire has been fulfilled.

22. This attribute is an enemy of man.

23. It waylays the spiritual aspirant from his chosen path.

24. It is extremely deceitful.

25. What the face shows is very different from what the mind actually thinks and feels – that is the attribute of rajas.

26. The attribute of rajas emerges when the Truth is suppressed.

27. It is a phenomenal sinner.

28. It gives rise to intense cravings that can never find fulfilment.

In order to be fulfilled, this attribute of rajas:

a) makes a pretence of pursuing spiritual disciplines;

b) organises great Yagyas or sacrificial offerings;

c) even worships and shows reverence to saints;

d) donates to charities;

e) renders acts of service;

f) acts to further the cause of dharma;

g) studies the holy books and scriptures.

However little one, all this is done in order to satiate some selfish whim and for self-establishment.

Often, the one who possesses the quality of rajas may seem to adhere to the principles of dharma. In reality, this too, is done in order to fulfil some selfish aim. Such a one gives respect to others in order to gain respect for himself. Even acts of service to his own parents are performed in order to gain applause and approval; and with this end in view, he may even humble himself. However, such a one neither wishes to become like the Lord, nor do the qualities of the Lord inhere in him. Such a one covets only recognition, wealth and prosperity.

Such people are extremely shrewd and clever and attain expertise in many branches of learning. They are very competent and ever engaged in many projects. They earn an exalted reputation in the world and perform great deeds. They are extremely useful to all and very hard working.

But listen Kamla!

1. Such a person does not know the meaning of compassion.

2. He is oblivious to selflessness and gentleness.

3. He loves only himself.

4. His desires define his religion.

5. He is proud of his intellect and considers only his own understanding to be correct.

The one in whom rajas predominates, is the slave of desire; he worships at the altar of greed and craving. He absolves himself of all blame while justifying:

a) all his acts of injustice;

b) all his wickedness;

c) all his cruelty;

d) all his evil deeds;

e) all his pretences.

The intellect that justifies and supports such acts of injustice, sin, arrogance and tyranny is the product of rajas.

The rajoguni or the one in whom the quality of rajas is predominant, is greedy for personal establishment and recognition in all that he does.

1. He is joyous when others’ reputations are tarnished.

2. Such actions do not cause him shame – it is a mere game for him to ruin the reputation of others.

3. Such a one never reaches out to save someone from his downfall. In fact he is instrumental in the furtherance of that person’s destruction.

He makes plans for the benefits he can derive from others and takes advantage of their paucity of wealth and means.

In fact, it could be said that rajoguna is one’s greatest enemy.

a) This attribute causes the greatest sorrow.

b) It destroys the peace of the home.

c) It turns children against their parents.

d) It causes parents to become enemies of their children.

e) It is the cause of sedition and disloyalty towards one’s country.

f) It wrecks even prosperous, happy homes.

g) It causes the decline of the great, the downfall of even saints and sages.