Chapter 14, Verse 12
लोभ: प्रवृत्तिरारम्भ: कर्मणामशम: स्पृहा | रजस्येतानि जायन्ते विवृद्धे भरतर्षभ ॥12॥
lobhaḥ pravṛttir ārambhaḥ karmaṇām aśamaḥ spṛhā | rajasy etāni jāyante vivṛddhe bharatarṣabha
"O best of the Bharata dynasty, when the mode of passion (rajas) becomes predominant, these symptoms manifest: greed, restless activity, undertaking of many works with selfish intent, mental unrest, and intense longing."
Key Insight:
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 14.12 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 14.12 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
Detailed Meaning
Lord Krishna explains the tangible psychological markers of Rajo Guna (the mode of passion). When Rajas increases in a person, it manifests as 'Lobha' (greed for more than one needs), 'Pravṛtti' (constant, often aimless activity), 'Ārambhaḥ' (the compulsive starting of new projects for personal gain), 'Aśama' (the inability to find peace or stay still), and 'Spṛhā' (the yearning for worldly objects). This verse serves as a diagnostic tool for one's own spiritual state, suggesting that a mind in constant flux and desire is under the heavy influence of the Rajasic mode.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core message of Gita 14.12?
O best of the Bharata dynasty, when the mode of passion (rajas) becomes predominant, these symptoms manifest: greed, restless activity, undertaking of many works with selfish intent, mental unrest, and intense longing.