Karmanah sukritasyaahuh saattvikam nirmalam phalam | Rajasas tu phalam duhkham ajnaanam tamasah phalam ||16||
अनुवाद
The result of pious action performed in the mode of goodness is pure and is called sattvic. But action performed in the mode of passion results in misery, and action in the mode of ignorance results in foolishness.
शब्दार्थ
कर्मणः
of work/action
सु-कृतस्य
pious/well-done
आहुः
is said
सात्त्विकम्
sattvic/in goodness
निर्मलम्
pure/untainted
फलम्
fruit/result
रजसः
of the mode of passion
तु
but
फलम्
fruit/result
दुःखम्
misery/suffering
अज्ञानम्
ignorance/foolishness
तमसः
of the mode of ignorance
फलम्
fruit/result
टीका
Commentary
Having described the destinations after death for those under the three modes, Krishna now explains the fruits that actions produce depending on which mode predominates. This verse provides a clear diagnostic: look at the results of your actions and you can identify which mode is governing your life.
Actions performed in the mode of goodness (sattva) produce pure, untainted results (nirmalam phalam). The sages and great souls who act in goodness are free from all lamentation and delusion. Their happiness is genuine and lasting. They see things as they truly are and experience the authentic taste of knowledge and satisfaction.
Actions performed in the mode of passion (rajas), however, inevitably produce misery (duhkham). This is a profound statement. No matter how much material success one achieves through passionate endeavor — building empires, accumulating wealth, pursuing sensory pleasures — the ultimate result is suffering. The Bhagavad Gita states this as a law: rajasic action equals misery. Even mental satisfaction from such achievements is temporary and tinged with anxiety.
Actions performed in the mode of ignorance (tamas) produce foolishness (ajnaanam). When a person acts under the influence of tamas — in laziness, intoxication, or violence — the result is ever-deepening ignorance. The person becomes less and less capable of discernment, sinking further into darkness. This is why those in tamas, such as those who engage in animal slaughter, only deepen their bondage with every act, creating a cycle of increasingly degraded consciousness.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What does Bhagavad Gita 14.16 mean?
- The result of pious action performed in the mode of goodness is pure and is called sattvic. But action performed in the mode of passion results in misery, and action in the mode of ignorance results in foolishness.
- What is the Sanskrit text of Bhagavad Gita 14.16?
- The original Sanskrit verse is: Karmanah sukritasyaahuh saattvikam nirmalam phalam | Rajasas tu phalam duhkham ajnaanam tamasah phalam ||16||
- What are the key themes of this verse?
- This verse explores: three modes, gunas, karma, fruits of action, goodness, passion, ignorance.