Bhagavad Gita · Verse 18.31
Chapter 18: Moksha Sannyasa Yoga (मोक्षसंन्यासयोगः)
(The Supreme Lord said)
यया धर्ममधर्मं च कार्यं चाकार्यमेव च । अयथावत्प्रजानाति बुद्धिः सा पार्थ राजसी ॥३१॥
yayā dharmamadharmaṃ ca kāryaṃ cākāryameva ca | ayathāvatprajānāti buddhiḥ sā pārtha rājasī ||31||
Complete Shloka Translation
The understanding that does not rightly distinguish dharma from adharma, or what should be done from what should not, is rajasic, Partha.
Word-by-Word Translation (Padartha / Anvaya)
| Sanskrit Term (पद) | IAST Roman | English Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| धर्म | dharma | duty or righteousness |
| अधर्म | adharma | unrighteous conduct |
| यया | yayā | [term] in context of The understanding that does no... |
| धर्ममधर्मं | dharmamadharmaṃ | [term] in context of The understanding that does no... |
| कार्यं | ca | [term] in context of The understanding that does no... |
| चाकार्यमेव | kāryaṃ | [term] in context of The understanding that does no... |
| अयथावत्प्रजानाति | cākāryameva | [term] in context of The understanding that does no... |
| बुद्धिः | ca | [term] in context of The understanding that does no... |
| सा | ayathāvatprajānāti | [term] in context of The understanding that does no... |
| पार्थ | buddhiḥ | [term] in context of The understanding that does no... |
| राजसी | sā | [term] in context of The understanding that does no... |
| ३१ | pārtha | [term] in context of The understanding that does no... |
duty or righteousness
unrighteous conduct
[term] in context of The understanding that does no...
[term] in context of The understanding that does no...
[term] in context of The understanding that does no...
[term] in context of The understanding that does no...
[term] in context of The understanding that does no...
[term] in context of The understanding that does no...
[term] in context of The understanding that does no...
[term] in context of The understanding that does no...
[term] in context of The understanding that does no...
[term] in context of The understanding that does no...
Detailed Commentary & Meaningful Thoughts
Rajasic judgment confuses important ethical distinctions. Desire can make a convenient conclusion seem like a sound one.
Philosophical Reflection & Self-Inquiry
"Which personal preference may be distorting your judgment?"
Inquiry Question to Ponder:
Which personal preference may be distorting your judgment?
Modern Life Implementation (Practical Real-Life Application)
Apply this verse to achieve purposeful living: execute your daily duties with full craftsmanship and honesty, release obsessive ego over results, and ground your spirit in timeless devotion, knowing that where righteous effort joins higher wisdom, victory is assured.