Bhagavad Gita Chapter 14, Verse 16

English Translation

They say that the result of good work is pure and is born of sattva. But the result of rajas is sorrow; the result of tamas is ignorance.

Detailed Commentary

।।14.16।। Explanation -- In reality, actions (Karma) themselves are neither Sattvic, Rajasic, nor Tamasic. All actions are merely activities. In truth, it is the doer (Karta) of those actions who is Sattvic, Rajasic, and Tamasic. An action performed by a Sattvic Karta is called Sattvic; an action by a Rajasic Karta is called Rajasic; and an action by a Tamasic Karta is called Tamasic. **Karmaṇah sukṛtasyāhuḥ sāttvikaṁ nirmalam phalam** -- The nature of Sattva-Guna is pure, clear, and unblemished. Therefore, the actions performed by a person imbued with Sattva-Guna will inherently be Sattvic, because Karma is a reflection of the doer. The state that arises as a result of such Sattvic Karma will also be equally pure, unblemished, and blissful. Even when performing actions without desire for their fruit, as long as the doer maintains a connection with Sattva-Guna, they are considered a Sattvic Karta, and their actions continue to bear fruit. However, when the connection with the Gunas is completely severed, they are no longer designated a Sattvic Karta, and the actions performed by them do not create fruit; rather, their actions become inactive. **Rajas का फल दुःख है (The fruit of Rajas is sorrow)** -- The nature of Rajo-Guna is passionate (Rāgātmaka). Therefore, actions performed by an individual full of attachment will be Rajasic, and the result of such Rajasic Karma will be enjoyment (Bhoga). This means that Rajasic Karma will lead to the enjoyment of material objects, the experience of comfort and pleasure in the body, the indulgence in honor and respect in the world, and after death, the attainment of enjoyments in celestial realms like Svarga. However, all these are ultimately causes of sorrow (Duḥkha), because they lead to cycles of birth and death. It is from this perspective that the Lord has here called the fruit of Rajasic Karma "sorrow." Two things arise from Rajo-Guna: sin (Pāpa) and sorrow (Duḥkha). A Rajasic person commits sin in the present, and as a result, experiences the fruit of those sins as sorrow. In the thirty-sixth verse of the third chapter, when Arjuna asked why a human being commits sin despite not wanting to, the Lord stated that desire (Kāmanā), born of Rajo-Guna, is the cause of committing sin. **Tamas का फल अज्ञान है (The fruit of Tamas is ignorance)** -- The nature of Tamo-Guna is delusion (Mohana). Therefore, actions performed by a deluded Tamasic person will be Tamasic, and the fruit of such Tamasic Karma will be ignorance (Ajnāna), meaning the attainment of ignorant species. According to their actions, they will be born into dull (Mūḍha) species such as animals, birds, insects, trees, etc., in which ignorance predominates. The conclusion of this verse is that no matter what circumstances a Sattvic person faces, they do not experience sorrow. No matter what circumstances a Rajasic person faces, they do not experience happiness. No matter what circumstances a Tamasic person faces, their discrimination (Viveka) does not awaken; instead, their dullness (Mūḍhatā) persists. Gunas and circumstances are indeed created according to Karma. As long as there is a connection with Gunas and Karma, a human being cannot be happy in any circumstance. When the connection with Gunas and Karma is severed, a human being cannot be unhappy in any circumstance, nor can they fall into bondage. In the process of birth, the contemplation at the final moment of life is primary. At the root of this final contemplation lies the increase of Gunas, and the increase of Gunas occurs according to Karma. This means that a person's Guna will determine their actions, and their actions will strengthen that Guna, and according to that Guna, the final contemplation will occur. Thus, for the next birth, the contemplation at the final moment is paramount. At the root of contemplation lies inclination (Bhāva), and at the root of inclination lies Karma. From this perspective, for the attainment of a certain state (Gati), the final contemplation, Gunas, and Karma — these three are the causes. **Connection** -- In the previous verse, the Lord described the destinations that result from the temporary increase of specific Gunas, attributing them to Sattvic, Rajasic, and Tamasic Karma. Now, in the following verse, the Lord is going to explain that Sattvic, Rajasic, and Tamasic Karma are themselves rooted in the Gunas.