Bhagavad Gita 18.24 — Rājasic Action: Driven by Desire, Ego, and Strenuous Effort
यत्तु कामेप्सुना कर्म साहङ्कारेण वा पुनः ।
क्रियते बहुलायासं तद्राजसमुदाहृतम् ॥ १८.२४ ॥
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But an action performed by one desiring pleasures, or with egoism, and with much effort, is declared to be rājasic (passion-driven).
Transliteration (IAST)
Word Separation
The Sanskrit verse is separated into individual words (Padched) for easier study.
Word Meanings
| Line 1 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| yat | which |
| tu | but |
| kāmepsunā | by one desiring pleasures |
| karma | action |
| sāhaṅkāreṇa | with egoism |
| vā | or |
| punaḥ | again, also |
| Line 2 | |
|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| kriyate | is performed |
| bahulāyāsam | with much effort, strenuous |
| tat | that |
| rājasam | rājasic, passion-driven |
| udāhṛtam | is declared |
| Line 1 | Line 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanskrit Word | Meaning | Sanskrit Word | Meaning |
| yat | which | kriyate | is performed |
| tu | but | bahulāyāsam | with much effort, strenuous |
| kāmepsunā | by one desiring pleasures | tat | that |
| karma | action | rājasam | rājasic, passion-driven |
| sāhaṅkāreṇa | with egoism | udāhṛtam | is declared |
| vā | or | ||
| punaḥ | again, also | ||
Detailed Meaning
Introduction
Here Lord Krishna describes <em>rājasic</em> action. It is action undertaken by one who is driven by desire for gratification, who acts with a strong sense of ego, and whose work involves a great deal of strain.
Essence
Action driven by craving and ego
In contrast to the calm of sāttvic action, Lord Krishna now describes a restless and strenuous way of working.
Kāmepsunā (by one who seeks the fulfilment of desires): The motive is personal gain. The action is a means for obtaining something that the person craves, such as wealth, status, power, or pleasure.
Sāhaṅkāreṇa vā punaḥ (or done with ego): The sense of I am the doer is strong. The person wants to prove, to be recognised, and to be seen as the cause of success.
Bahulāyāsam (involving much strain): The work is full of effort, tension, and exhaustion. There is a hurried and anxious quality to it, because so much is at stake for the person.
Tad rājasam udāhṛtam (that is declared rājasic): It is the action of the driven, ambitious mind.
The cost of rajas
The word āyāsa is important. Rājasic action may produce impressive results, but it exhausts the person who performs it. Because the happiness of such a person is bound up with the outcome, every step carries anxiety. Success brings only a short relief before the next target appears, and failure brings deep disappointment.
Lord Krishna does not say that effort itself is wrong. The problem lies in effort that is wrapped around craving and ego, so that the work becomes a burden rather than an offering.
Message for Everyday Life (The Burnout Pattern)
Overwork, chronic stress, and burnout often grow from this pattern. We drive ourselves hard because our sense of worth is attached to results and recognition.
A gentle correction: Ask what the work is really for. Where possible, connect it with a purpose larger than your own image, such as service to others, learning, or craftsmanship. Effort that is rooted in such a purpose tends to be both more sustainable and more effective.
Action driven by craving and ego
In contrast to the calm of sāttvic action, Lord Krishna now describes a restless and strenuous way of working.
Kāmepsunā (by one who seeks the fulfilment of desires): The motive is personal gain. The action is a means for obtaining something that the person craves, such as wealth, status, power, or pleasure.
Sāhaṅkāreṇa vā punaḥ (or done with ego): The sense of I am the doer is strong. The person wants to prove, to be recognised, and to be seen as the cause of success.
Bahulāyāsam (involving much strain): The work is full of effort, tension, and exhaustion. There is a hurried and anxious quality to it, because so much is at stake for the person.
Tad rājasam udāhṛtam (that is declared rājasic): It is the action of the driven, ambitious mind.
The cost of rajas
The word āyāsa is important. Rājasic action may produce impressive results, but it exhausts the person who performs it. Because the happiness of such a person is bound up with the outcome, every step carries anxiety. Success brings only a short relief before the next target appears, and failure brings deep disappointment.
Lord Krishna does not say that effort itself is wrong. The problem lies in effort that is wrapped around craving and ego, so that the work becomes a burden rather than an offering.
Message for Everyday Life (The Burnout Pattern)
Overwork, chronic stress, and burnout often grow from this pattern. We drive ourselves hard because our sense of worth is attached to results and recognition.
A gentle correction: Ask what the work is really for. Where possible, connect it with a purpose larger than your own image, such as service to others, learning, or craftsmanship. Effort that is rooted in such a purpose tends to be both more sustainable and more effective.
Next Topic
Lord Krishna has shown that action driven by craving and ego is <em>rājasic</em>. In the next verse, He describes the lowest type, <em>tāmasic</em> action, which arises from delusion and ignores consequences.
Hidden Messages In This Shloka
Reflect on this verse from different perspectives and see which deeper message opens up for you.
Wisdom Nuggets
Chasing desire exhausts the chaser.
Ego makes effort heavy.
Strive wisely, not frantically.
The goal of calm is better served by detachment than by hurry.
Ask what is driving your effort.
True strength includes knowing when to rest.
Replace craving with purpose and effort becomes lighter.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'kāmepsunā' (by one desiring pleasures) mean in this verse?
What does 'sāhaṅkāreṇa' (with egoism) imply?
What does 'bahulāyāsam' (with much effort) tell us about 'rājasa' (passion-driven) action?
Does this mean hard work is wrong?
What is the practical message of this verse in one sentence?
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