Bhagavad Gita Chapter 18, Verse 34

English Translation

But, O Partha, the firmness with which one holds on to righteousness, covetable things and wealth, being desirous of their fruits as the occasion for each arises, that firmness is born of rajas.

Detailed Commentary

That Dhriti (sustaining power) by which Dharma, Kama, and Artha are held is Rajasi. With this Rajasi Dhriti, a person practices Dharma for the fulfillment of their desires. They indulge in objects of enjoyment and accumulate wealth. Giving donations on occasions like Amavasya, Purnima, Vyatipaat, etc., donating food in Tirthas, celebrating festivals, undertaking Tirthayatra, contributing to religious institutions, and organizing Katha-Kirtan and Bhagavat Saptah — performing all these merely for the fulfillment of desires is to hold Dharma. The acquisition of objects of enjoyment in the world is essential because they bring happiness. There is no being in the world who does not desire objects of enjoyment. To be engrossed in fulfilling desires for these objects with the belief that "if a human does not long for enjoyments, their life is meaningless" is to hold Kama. No endeavor progresses without wealth; Dharma itself is accomplished through wealth. If one does not possess wealth, they cannot perform Dharma. All arrangements and endeavors are made possible only by wealth. All those who are deemed great today are so because of wealth. People show respect and honor only when one has wealth; no one regards one who lacks it. Therefore, wealth must be accumulated — to thus delight in and immerse oneself in wealth is to hold Artha. Due to excessive attachment to the world, whatever meritorious deed a Rajasa individual performs according to the Shastras, their sole desire remains that through this action, they may attain happiness, comfort, honor, and esteem in this world, and enjoyment in the afterlife. The Dhriti of a mind that desires such fruits and is excessively attached to the world is Rajasi. Connection: Now, the characteristics of Tamasi Dhriti are described.