Verse-35
Chapter 18 — Moksha Sanyasa Yoga
Verse 35
🕉 Original Sanskrit Shloka
yayā svapnaṁ bhayaṁ śokaṁ viṣādaṁ madameva ch
na vimuñcati durmedhā dhṛtiḥ sā pārtha tāmasī
🕉 English Translation
Purush dushta buddhi ka jisseh kabhi,
Bhaya, chinta, nidra ko chode nahin.
Dukh aur ghamand bhi rahein sath jab,
Dhriti aisee Arjun! Tu tamas samajh.
📜 Translation
English
O Parth! The persistence by which the person of perverted mind does not give up sleep, fear, grief, depression and arrogance-that persistence is tamasic.
The word 'sleep' in a broader sense means unawareness or indolence. Along with it, fear, grief, despondency, dejection, and intoxication of pride-all these in combination in their own way bring about degeneration in life. These can be observed clearly in many parts of the present society.
Fear is the natural state in the world of those who have distanced themselves from the Lord. Where there is no foundation, there will be instability. Fear is the natural consequence of distancing from the foundation of life-the Lord. Grief, sorrow are the result of expectations going unfulfilled. When there is attachment to objects and beings and they leave, sorrow arises. Despondency and dejection are the natural states where inspiration and motivation are lacking. The intoxication of pride arises from false egoism. All these in combination constitute the tamasic persistence which does not allow any progress or elevation.
After reading the distinctions amongst the three types of persistence, give a thought to the fact as to what one's own position is. Along with this, also evaluate that what should have been the state? While reading the scripture it is imperative also to read oneself. Only then will such inspirations motivate us to take life in the right direction and keep progressing there. Through the satvic persistence alone can the path of yoga and devotion be pursued successfully.