Chapter 14, Verse 16
कर्मण: सुकृतस्याहु: सात्विकं निर्मलं फलम् | रजसस्तु फलं दु:खमज्ञानं तमस: फलम् ॥16॥
karmaṇaḥ sukṛtasyāhuḥ sāttvikaṃ nirmalaṃ phalam | rajasastu phalaṃ duḥkham ajñānaṃ tamasaḥ phalam ||
"The fruit of good action is said to be pure and in the mode of goodness (Sattva). But the fruit of passion (Rajas) is misery, and the fruit of ignorance (Tamas) is darkness."
Key Insight:
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 14.16 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
The Bhagavad Gita teaches us through 14.16 that true peace is found when we align our actions with Dharma.
Detailed Meaning
This verse delineates the karmic outcomes of actions performed under the influence of the three Gunas. Actions performed in Sattva (Sukṛtasya) are 'Nirmalam'—free from the stains of selfish attachment—resulting in clarity and peace. Actions driven by Rajas, fueled by intense desire and ego, inevitably lead to 'Duḥkham' (sorrow) because the thirst for results is never truly satisfied. Actions in Tamas, characterized by negligence and delusion, result in 'Ajñānam'—a deeper descent into ignorance and lack of consciousness.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core message of Gita 14.16?
The fruit of good action is said to be pure and in the mode of goodness (Sattva). But the fruit of passion (Rajas) is misery, and the fruit of ignorance (Tamas) is darkness.