Bhagavad Gita 18.24

Moksha Sanyasa Yoga · English Translation

But that action which is done by one longing for the fulfilment of desires or gain with egoism or with much effort that is declared to be Rajasic (passionate).

Sanskrit

यत्तु कामेप्सुना कर्म साहंकारेण वा पुनः | क्रियते बहुलायासं तद्राजसमुदाहृतम् ||१८-२४||

Transliteration

yattu kāmepsunā karma sāhaṃkāreṇa vā punaḥ . kriyate bahulāyāsaṃ tadrājasamudāhṛtam ||18-24||

What Does This Verse Mean?

In this verse, Lord Krishna describes a type of action driven by selfish desires and egoism that requires excessive struggle to achieve personal gain. He explains that when someone works primarily for the reward or out of pride in their own ability, that effort is classified as 'Rajasic' (passionate) rather than pure. This teaching warns against performing duties just for personal profit because it binds the doer further to the cycle of stress and dissatisfaction.

The Teaching Behind It

This teaching belongs to the framework of Karma Yoga and Sankhya philosophy, specifically analyzing the Gunas (qualities of nature). It develops the concept that action is not judged by its external result but by the internal state of consciousness—specifically how egoism and intense desire for fruit corrupt the purity of work.

Word by Word

यत् which, तु but, कामेप्सुना by one longing for desires, कर्म action, साहङ्कारेण with egoism, वा or, पुनः again, क्रियते is performed, बहुलायासम् with much effort, तत् that, राजसम् Rajasic (passionate), उदाहृतम् is declared

Classical Commentary

A passionate man performs various selfish actions. He boasts of his actions in public. Passion prompts him to do them. He can never work without expectation of a reward. Kamepsuna, phalepsuna The Rajasic or passionate man expects pleasures as fruits of action. A liberated sage alone is absolutely free from egoism. He will not dream even of a reward for the action, because all his desires are gratified when he realises Brahman. He is an Aptakama. (Aptakamasya ka spriha) How can there be longing or craving in a sage in whom all desires are gratified or burnt by the fire of SelfknowledgeEven the performer of a pure act, who has no knowledge of the Self is egoistic. If such be the case, the Rajasic and Tamasic workers are much more egoistic. In worldly parlance we speak of a learned Pundit This Pundit is a very modest, unassuming, and egoless Brahmana. Now listen? O Arjuna, to the characteristics of action that is of darkness.

Where This Happens

This verse appears near the conclusion of the Bhagavad Gita's teachings on the battlefield of Kurukshetra, where Lord Krishna is instructing Prince Arjuna. Just before this, Krishna has been categorizing actions based on their nature (Sattvic, Rajasic, Tamasic) to help Arjuna understand his own motivations for fighting. As Arjuna listens with a confused heart torn between duty and attachment, he realizes that even the desire to win the war if driven by ego is an obstacle.

Living It Out Today

Consider a professional employee who works late nights not because the project needs it, but specifically to secure a promotion or outcompete their colleagues. This person feels constant anxiety, exhaustion, and resentment when they don't get immediate recognition, mirroring the 'Rajasic' struggle described in this verse. The solution is to shift focus: perform the work with excellence as a duty of skill (Karma Yoga) rather than a transaction for personal glory.

Explained for Children

Imagine you are studying hard only so your parents will buy you a new video game, or doing chores but thinking 'Look how great I am!' That kind of effort feels heavy and tiring. Krishna says that when we work just for our own wants or to show off, it is like running in place without really going anywhere happy. True happiness comes from working because it needs to be done, not because you want a prize at the end.

Daily Reflection

You might find that even small acts turn into burdens when we cling too tightly to how they will benefit us personally. This verse invites you to release the heavy grip of 'I must gain' so that your work becomes a natural flow rather than a struggle for validation. When you act without demanding a specific reward, the exhaustion fades and peace replaces the anxiety of expectation.

A Practice for Today

Observe your intentions as you begin any task today; notice if the drive to achieve a specific result is overshadowing the act itself. If ego or excessive strain arises, pause and gently shift your focus from the desired outcome back to the quality of the offering in this very moment.

Key Teachings

The Trap of Instrumental Action
Action performed solely as a tool to secure personal gain or fulfill selfish desires is classified as Rajasic. This mindset traps the doer in a cycle where the value of work depends entirely on its external payoff.
The Burden of Ego
When 'I' and 'mine' dominate our actions, every effort becomes heavy because it is weighed down by self-importance. This ego-centric approach transforms natural duty into a source of mental agitation.
The Exhaustion of Striving
Rajasic action often requires excessive physical and mental strain, as the doer fights against circumstances to force an outcome. True liberation comes when we move from forced exertion toward effortless alignment with duty.

Themes

Rajasic natureEgoism in actionDesire for resultsMental exhaustionSelfless dutyQuality of work

Related Verses

2.47 3.9 4.18 5.10 6.5

Read This Next

2.47 — This verse establishes the foundational principle of acting without attachment to results, offering the direct antidote to the Rajasic mindset described in 18.24.
3.9 — Here, Krishna explains how action performed as a sacrifice (Yajna) purifies one from the bonds of karma that result from selfish desires.
12.15 — This verse describes the qualities of a devotee who is not agitated by worldly fluctuations, providing the emotional stability needed to transcend ego-driven actions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main difference between Rajasic and Sattvic action?

Rajasic action is performed with a strong desire for personal gain, often driven by ego and causing great mental strain. In contrast, Sattvic action is done out of duty without attachment to results or selfish motives, leading to clarity and inner peace.

Does the Gita say we should never work hard?

It is called Rajasic because passion (Rajas) is characterized by intense activity, desire, and restlessness. When work is fueled by the urge to obtain something specific for oneself, it creates a state of agitation rather than calmness.

How can I stop my actions from being motivated by ego?

To reduce ego-driven action, one should practice offering the results of their work to a higher purpose or divine consciousness. By shifting focus from 'what do I get?' to 'how can this service be done well?', the grip of selfish desire loosens.

In Other Languages: Bhagavad Gita 18.24 →