Actions driven by intense desires or undertaken with excessive pride and ostentation are considered to be born of the mode of passion. Krishna highlights two key attributes of actions influenced by the mode of passion. Firstly, he mentions actions performed with great effort by one seeking to gratify desires (kāmeṣu apsuṇā karma). Such actions are driven by intense desires and cravings for material pleasures. Individuals engage in these actions with the sole aim of fulfilling their selfish desires, often disregarding moral principles and ethical considerations.

Secondly, Krishna refers to actions undertaken with much ostentation (sāhaṅkāreṇa vā punaḥ). These actions are characterized by excessive pride, arrogance, and the desire for public recognition and acclaim. Individuals perform these actions to boost their ego and enhance their social status, seeking validation and admiration from others.

Krishna categorizes actions performed with great effort to gratify desires or undertaken with much ostentation as born of the mode of passion. The mode of passion is characterized by restlessness, attachment, and the relentless pursuit of material desires. Actions influenced by this mode often lead to increased attachment, agitation, and bondage to the material world.

The verse serves as a cautionary reminder for individuals to be mindful of their motives and intentions behind their actions. Actions performed with intense desires and excessive pride may lead to negative consequences and further entanglement in the cycle of birth and death.

Moreover, Krishna's teachings in this verse highlight the importance of cultivating equanimity and detachment in one's actions. By transcending the mode of passion and aligning one's actions with dharma (righteousness) and selflessness, individuals can attain spiritual growth and liberation from the bondage of material desires.

In essence, this verse from the Bhagavad Gita underscores the significance of discernment and mindfulness in one's actions. It encourages individuals to reflect on their motives and intentions behind their actions, ensuring that they are guided by higher principles of righteousness and selflessness rather than by selfish desires and egoistic tendencies. Through self-awareness and spiritual discernment, individuals can gradually transcend the modes of nature and attain true peace and liberation.