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Chapter 18 · Verse 28 · Moksha Sanyaas Yoga

Bhagavad Gita 18.28

transformative Karma & Action Dharma & Duty Moksha & Liberation

Sanskrit

अयुक्तः प्राकृतः स्तब्धः शठो नैष्कृतिकोऽलसः।विषादी दीर्घसूत्री च कर्ता तामस उच्यते।।18.28।।

Transliteration

ayuktaḥ prākṛitaḥ stabdhaḥ śhaṭho naiṣhkṛitiko ‘lasaḥ viṣhādī dīrgha-sūtrī cha kartā tāmasa uchyate

Word by Word

ayuktaḥ undisciplined
prākṛitaḥ vulgar
stabdhaḥ obstinate
śhaṭhaḥ cunning
naiṣhkṛitikaḥ dishonest or vile
alasaḥ slothful
viṣhādī unhappy and morose
dīrgha-sūtrī procrastinating
cha and
kartā performer
tāmasaḥ in the mode of ignorance
uchyate is said to be
Simplified Perspective

Krishna reveals the tamasic worker as one bound by ignorance, moving through life without discipline, honesty, or genuine commitment—trapped in a fog of procrastination, deception, and despair. The Vedas teach us that such a state is not our nature, but a choice made moment by moment.

When you recognize these patterns in yourself—the endless delay, the cunning justification, the heaviness of spirit—you are already beginning to wake. The path out is not harsh self-judgment, but the simple, daily choice to act with integrity, courage, and purpose.

Listen

Bhagavad Gita 18.28 — BG 18.28

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Sanskrit text from the Bhagavad Gita (public domain). Commentary © Mahakatha.

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