Bhagavad Gita · Moksha Sannyasa Yoga — Liberation through Renunciation

Chapter 18, Verse 34

"Bhagavad Gita 18.34" — meaning and explanation.

यया तु धर्मकामार्थान्धृत्या धारयतेऽर्जुन | प्रसङ्गेन फलाकाङ्क्षी धृतिः सा पार्थ राजसी

yayā tu dharmakāmārthāndhṛtyā dhārayate.arjuna . prasaṅgena phalākāṅkṣī dhṛtiḥ sā pārtha rājasī

Meaning

18.34 But that, O Arjuna, by which, on account of attachment and desire for reward, one holds fast to Dharma (duty), enjoyment of pleasures and earning of wealth that firmness, O Arjuna, is Rajasic (passionate).

।।18.34।। हे पृथापुत्र अर्जुन ! कर्मफल का इच्छुक पुरुष अति आसक्ति (प्रसंग) से जिस धृति के द्वारा धर्म, अर्थ और काम (इन तीन पुरुषार्थों) को धारण करता है, वह धृति राजसी है।।

Explanation

18.34 यया (by) which? तु but? धर्मकामार्थान् Dharma (duty)? desire and wealth? धृत्या by firmness? धारयते holds? अर्जुन O Arjuna? प्रसङ्गेन on account of attachment? फलाकाङ्क्षी desirous of the fruit of action? धृतिः firmness? सा that? पार्थ O Arjuna? राजसी Rajasic (passionate).Commentary The man of Rajasic firmness imagines that he will achieve the threefold aim of life and clings to it passionately. He is desirous of getting the rewards of his actions. He endeavours to attain Dharma? wealth and pleasure. The firmness of such a person is Rajasic or passionate.Now listen? O Arjuna? to the third kind of firmness -- the Tamasic type.

Life Lesson

Study Bhagavad Gita 18.34 slowly, then express its central teaching through one thoughtful action in daily life.

Context

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 18, verse 34, from Krishna's dialogue with Arjuna at Kurukshetra.

Bhagavad Gita 18.34

This page presents the Sanskrit verse, transliteration, Hindi meaning, English meaning, and a simple explanation for study. For a fuller understanding, read this shloka in sequence with the rest of Bhagavad Gita Chapter 18.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does Bhagavad Gita 18.34 mean?

18.34 But that, O Arjuna, by which, on account of attachment and desire for reward, one holds fast to Dharma (duty), enjoyment of pleasures and earning of wealth that firmness, O Arjuna, is Rajasic (passionate).

What is the life lesson of this verse?

Study Bhagavad Gita 18.34 slowly, then express its central teaching through one thoughtful action in daily life.

What is the context of this verse?

Bhagavad Gita Chapter 18, verse 34, from Krishna's dialogue with Arjuna at Kurukshetra.