Desire To Ultimate Truth – In Gita Verse 18.27 The worker who is attached to work and the fruits of work, desiring to enjoy those fruits, and who is greedy, always envious, impure, and moved by joy and sorrow, is said to be in the mode of passion.
Bhagavad Gita Verse 18.27 discusses the characteristics of a worker in the mode of passion. Such an individual is deeply attached to their work and the outcomes it yields. Driven by a desire to enjoy these results, they exhibit traits of greed, envy, impurity, and are easily swayed by joy and sorrow. This state is termed as Rajasic.
An individual in the Rajasic state is characterised by an obsessive attachment to the fruits of their actions. Their primary focus is not on the work itself, but on the results it promises. This attachment can persist for years, driven by a relentless hope for future gains. Such a person is not lazy; they can dedicate their entire life to a single task if it holds the promise of desired results. The intensity of their attachment is evident in their unwavering commitment to achieving their goals.
Greed is another defining trait of a Rajasic individual. This greed often leads to actions that cause harm to others, as the pursuit of personal gain can involve exploitation and strife. Unlike a person with a Tamasic nature, who may destroy out of sheer interest in destruction, a Rajasic person destroys only when driven by greed. Their actions are calculated and purposeful, motivated by the potential for personal benefit.
Impurity is inherent in the Rajasic nature due to the presence of greed. Greed itself is a form of impurity that taints conduct and intentions. Additionally, a Rajasic person is often restless, driven by the need to achieve results. Unlike a virtuous person who can patiently wait for the right moment, a Rajasic individual is in a constant hurry, unable to experience the joy of waiting.
Krishna’s teachings emphasise the importance of detachment and the perils of a desirous mind. When one seeks nothing from the external world, they achieve a state of completeness and perfection. Desiring external objects leads to a descent from a state of inner fulfilment to one of perpetual longing and dissatisfaction.
We do not truly live in existence but in our desires. Our lives are often dictated by our aspirations, which take us away from the present moment. The proof of desire lies in the effort made to fulfil it. The mind, heart, and navel centre each play a role in our intellect, feelings, and willpower, respectively. The more determined we are, the more our inner energies are awakened, leading to greater achievements.
Determination is a powerful force that can overcome even the most formidable obstacles. Just as a tiny seed can sprout through the hardest rock, our willpower can help us achieve great things despite adverse circumstances. Excuses and unfavourable conditions are not true hindrances; it is our own lack of determination that holds us back.
An interesting story in this context: a man asking a fakir how to attain God. The fakir, seeing the man’s thirst for knowledge, takes him to a river and holds his head underwater. The man’s desperate struggle for air awakens his latent strength, and he eventually frees himself. The fakir explains that the man’s single-minded determination to breathe is the key to attaining God. This intense focus and willpower can lead to profound transformation.
Transformation can occur in a moment with complete determination. Achievements in the world require time, but those in the realm of truth require intense resolve. The power of determination can turn dreams into reality, breaking through the barriers of ignorance.
Each individual must find their own path through personal effort and determination. True dignity and fulfilment come from one’s own endeavours. Krishna teaches that attachment to the fruits of actions binds us to the material world. By turning this desire inward, we can achieve non-attachment and discover our true selves.
The Rajasic state is characterised by attachment, greed, and restlessness. True transformation and fulfilment come from detachment, determination, and turning desires inward. Through personal effort and unwavering willpower, one can achieve great heights and discover the ultimate truth.
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