कर्मण: सुकृतस्याहु: सात्त्विकं निर्मलं फलम् ।
रजसस्तु फलं दु:खमज्ञानं तमस: फलम् ॥ १६ ॥
karmaṇaḥ sukṛitasyāhuḥ sāttvikaṁ nirmalaṁ phalam
rajasas tu phalaṁ duḥkham ajñānaṁ tamasaḥ phalam
श्लोक १६: पुण्य कर्मों का परिणाम शुद्ध और इसलिए सात्विक होता है। परंतु रजस से प्रभावित कर्मों का फल दुःख होता है, और तमस से प्रभावित कर्मों का फल अज्ञान होता है।
Shloka 16: The result of virtuous actions is said to be pure and hence Sattvic in nature. But the result of actions influenced by Rajas is sorrow and ignorance is the result of actions performed in Tamas.
In Bhagavad Gita 14.16, Krishna describes how every action yields a distinct result based on the mode—sattva (goodness), rajas (passion), or tamas (ignorance)—that inspires it. This verse serves as a clear explanation of how our internal motivations and mental states shape not just the outcomes of our deeds, but also the quality of our inner life and our future journey. The verse acts as a gentle reminder that beneath the surface of every action lies an invisible seed, destined to bear fruit according to its nature.
When actions are performed in the mode of goodness, their results are described as pure and uplifting. Such actions are marked by selflessness, clarity, and discipline. They cleanse the heart and mind, leaving behind a sense of peace and satisfaction. This purity doesn't simply refer to material gain; rather, it denotes an inner lightness and a gradual elevation of consciousness. People who act primarily in sattva experience greater harmony, understanding, and happiness, and they naturally move closer to spiritual knowledge and growth.
On the other hand, when one acts from passion—driven by strong desires, ambitions, and personal attachments—the result is suffering. These actions might seem energetic and productive on the surface, and they may even offer moments of pleasure or achievement. However, because they are rooted in restlessness and a longing for specific outcomes, they often create frustration, fatigue, and a lingering sense of lack. Over time, this mode intensifies one’s cravings, trapping the soul in a cycle of endless striving and disappointment.
The mode of ignorance paints a starker picture. Actions performed under its influence result in confusion and darkness. These may be acts carried out carelessly, without thought, or in the grip of negativity. The fruit of such ignorance is a deeper forgetfulness of one’s true nature, leading to inertia, lack of motivation, or even destructive tendencies. It’s as if these actions pull a veil over one’s vision, making it harder to recognize what is helpful and what leads further into entanglement. The result is not only material difficulty, but an increasing distance from clarity and purpose.
This verse goes beyond merely cataloguing the external rewards or punishments associated with different kinds of actions. Instead, it delves into the subtle consequences of living in harmony—or disharmony—with the mind’s natural qualities. Goodness naturally purifies, passion agitates and ultimately disappoints, while ignorance blinds and entraps. Over time, the mode through which we habitually act not only shapes what we experience, but also the kind of person we become and the destiny our soul moves toward.
A simple way to see this in daily life is to observe how certain tasks leave you feeling light, content, and inspired, while others—even if technically accomplished—leave you restless, dissatisfied, or drained. When something is done in goodness, the process itself feels rewarding, quietly enriching both the doer and those around them. When actions are saturated with passion, every success seems to breed more hunger, and the end rarely brings lasting peace. With ignorance, the passage of time seems to deepen confusion, and moments wasted are seldom recalled fondly.
Krishna’s explanation in this verse is not just philosophical; it is deeply practical. It points to a universal law: the state of mind with which we act determines the flavor of our experience and the trajectory of our future. Just as a seed planted in fertile soil grows into a healthy plant, actions rooted in goodness nurture the soul. Seeds sown in restlessness or carelessness, however, yield either pain or darkness in return. The verse thus invites reflection on the invisible patterns driving our choices and urges us to become aware of the quality of our actions, knowing that each one shapes our journey in this life and beyond.
Ultimately, this teaching sets the stage for the Gita’s broader message: by understanding the workings of these three modes, one can learn to act with greater awareness. With this understanding, it becomes possible to move beyond the endless push and pull of passion and ignorance, gently rising toward the mode of goodness—and beyond that, to the freedom and serenity that lie at the heart of spiritual realization.
Experience the Bhagavad Gita in a modern avatar on the BGFA app, with videos, explanations, lessons and more!
