Bhagavad Gita Chapter 18, Verse 25

English Translation

That action is said to be born of tamas which is undertaken out of delusion, (and) without consideration of its conseence, loss, harm and ability.

Detailed Commentary

**Anubandham (Consequences):** A person desirous of fruit acts with deliberation to attain it, but a *tāmas* individual, due to *mūḍhatā* (delusion), acts without forethought. He commences an action without considering how much harm it will cause to himself and others, both in the present and the future. **Kṣaṇam (Momentary Consideration):** He begins an action without reflecting on how much loss it will bring to himself and others, how much wealth and time it will consume, how much disrespect, censure, and scorn he will face in the world, or how his present and future will be affected. **Hiṃsām (Violence):** Without considering how many beings will be killed by this *karma*, how many principles and beliefs of noble individuals will be affected, how much the humanity of others will be damaged, or how negatively the pure sentiments and conduct of life will be impacted, both now and in the future, he commences the action. **Anavekṣya ca Pauruṣam (Without Considering One's Capability):** He embarks upon the task without evaluating his own competence for the work, his strength, the time he possesses, or the extent of his intellect, skill, and knowledge. **Mohādārābhyate Karma Yattattāmasamucyate (Action Undertaken Out of Delusion is Called Tamas):** A *tāmas* person, while performing an action, gives no consideration to its results, potential harm, involvement of violence, or their own capability. Whatever comes to their mind, they execute it immediately without reflection. Such an action is termed *tāmas*. **Context:** Now the Lord describes the characteristics of a *sāttvika* doer.