karmaṇaḥ sukṛitasyāhuḥ sāttvikaṁ nirmalaṁ phalam
rajasas tu phalaṁ duḥkham ajñānaṁ tamasaḥ phalam
karmaṇaḥ — of action;
su-kṛitasya — pure;
āhuḥ — is said;
sāttvikam — mode of goodness;
nirmalam — pure;
phalam — result;
rajasaḥ — mode of passion;
tu — indeed;
phalam — result;
duḥkham — pain;
ajñānam — ignorance;
tamasaḥ — mode of ignorance;
phalam — result
This verse talks about how different types of actions lead to different results based on the qualities influencing those actions.
1. **Mode of Goodness**: When you do good things, which are considered virtuous and positive, they help to purify your mind and character. For example, helping others, being kind, and engaging in positive activities can lead to true happiness. Wise people who act in this way tend to be free from confusion and illusions in life. They find a lasting happiness that comes from within.
2. **Mode of Passion**: If you are driven by desires and the desire for material success, your actions may lead to stress and suffering. Think about someone who works tirelessly to earn a lot of money. They might achieve their goals and enjoy some luxuries, but often this comes with a heavy price - like long hours, stress, or strained relationships. Such actions can bring temporary pleasure but will likely end in distress. The example given about constructing a skyscraper illustrates this: the process is tough and filled with struggles, even if it ends up being something impressive.
3. **Mode of Ignorance**: When a person acts out of ignorance, they make foolish choices that lead to suffering. They may not realize the consequences of their actions, which can reduce their quality of life. Take, for instance, the practice of killing animals. Those who engage in this often don’t understand that by causing harm to others, they are creating a cycle of suffering for themselves. Ignorance leads them to miss the wisdom behind compassion and connection with all living beings. This can ultimately lead to a lower quality of life, similar to that of animals, who often face challenges without even having the awareness of their situation.
The verse warns about the importance of being aware of how our actions stem from these three modes. Each mode has its own outcome: goodness leads to purification and genuine happiness, passion brings pain and stress, and ignorance results in foolish actions that cause more suffering. Without awareness of how these forces influence our behavior, we might end up trapped in a cycle of ignorance, leading to harm toward others, and even ourselves.
So, it encourages us to seek knowledge, compassion, and virtuous action as a way to live a fulfilling and true life.