Commentary

Commentary

This verse lists the telltale signs of the mode of passion (rajas) in its predominance. Five symptoms are given, and they paint a vivid picture of the raajasic personality: greed (lobha), excessive activity (pravritti), ambitious undertakings (aarambha karmanaam), uncontrollable desire (ashama), and intense hankering (sprihaa).

A person dominated by passion is never satisfied with their current position. They are always striving for more — more wealth, more power, more recognition. This is lobha, greed. Even before achieving one goal, they are already planning the next. If they build a house, they want a mansion. If they have a mansion, they want a palace. There is no end to the escalation.

The symptom of aarambha karmanaam — the constant initiation of new projects and enterprises — is particularly relevant in the modern world. The entrepreneurial drive, the relentless pursuit of career advancement, the compulsive need to be productive — these are all expressions of rajas. The person in passion cannot rest. Their sense of self-worth depends entirely on their accomplishments.

Ashama — the inability to control desires — is perhaps the most destructive symptom. The person in passion wants to enjoy the senses without limit. There is no ceiling to their desire for sensory pleasure, and this uncontrolled craving leads to endless schemes and plans to acquire the means of enjoyment. All these symptoms should be recognized as indicators of rajas, and a person serious about spiritual progress should work to transcend them by cultivating sattva and ultimately devotion to the Supreme Lord.