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18

CHAPTER 

VERSE

28

अयुक्त: प्राकृत: स्तब्ध: शठो नैष्कृतिकोऽलस: |
विषादी दीर्घसूत्री च कर्ता तामस उच्यते || 18.28 ||

Ayuktaḥ prākṛtaḥ stabdhaḥ śhaṭho naiṣhkṛitiko'lasaḥ |
Viṣhādī dīrghasūtrī cha kartā tāmasa uchyate ||

The performer who is unsteady, dull, devoid of discrimination, lazy, and who grieves and rejoices too much, is said to have the nature of darkness (tamas).

Lesson:

Krishna describes various traits and behaviours exhibited by individuals whose actions are guided by the qualities of inertia, ignorance, and delusion. He begins by describing the term "ayukta" which denotes one who is unsteady or lacks consistency in their actions and thought processes. Such individuals are characterized by indecisiveness and wavering determination, leading to inefficiency and lack of progress in their endeavours.

Next, Krishna mentions "prakrita," referring to someone who is mundane or ordinary in nature. These individuals are driven by material desires and are unaware of higher spiritual truths. Their actions are motivated by worldly pursuits rather than spiritual aspirations, leading to bondage and suffering in the cycle of birth and death.

Krishna then describes the term "stabdha," signifying someone who is stubborn or obstinate in their beliefs and behaviours. Such individuals are resistant to change and growth, clinging to their comfort zones and refusing to embrace new perspectives or ideas. Their rigidity impedes their spiritual evolution and personal development.

The term "shatha" refers to someone who is deceitful or cunning in nature. These individuals lack integrity and honesty, resorting to manipulative tactics to achieve their goals. Their actions are driven by selfish motives, causing harm to themselves and others in the pursuit of personal gain.

Krishna also mentions "naishkritika," indicating someone who lacks discrimination or discernment in their actions. These individuals act impulsively without considering the consequences of their actions, leading to confusion and chaos in their lives.

Furthermore, Krishna highlights the trait of laziness or "alasa," where individuals lack enthusiasm or motivation to exert effort in their endeavours. Their inertia prevents them from achieving their full potential and fulfilling their responsibilities effectively.

Lastly, Krishna mentions "vishadi," referring to someone who experiences excessive grief or sorrow, and "dirghasutri," indicating someone who experiences prolonged attachment or longing. Such individuals are emotionally unstable and prone to mood swings, causing them to oscillate between extremes of joy and sorrow.

In essence, this verse serves as a cautionary reminder of the detrimental effects of being influenced by the mode of darkness (tamas guna). Individuals exhibiting these traits are prone to suffering and spiritual stagnation, as their actions are driven by ignorance, delusion, and attachment to material pleasures. Krishna encourages seekers to transcend the mode of darkness through self-awareness, self-discipline, and the cultivation of virtuous qualities such as steadiness, discrimination, and enthusiasm in their actions.

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