Srimad Bhagavad Gita Shloka 14.16

“The fruit of sattvic action is purity; of rajasic, pain; of tamasic, ignorance.”
Key Teaching: Actions yield purity (sattva), pain (rajas), or ignorance (tamas).
Theme: Guidance, Jnana Yoga, Moksha Sannyasa Yoga, Karma Yoga.
Description:
Krishna explains that sattvic actions yield purity, rajasic actions yield pain, and tamasic actions yield ignorance. This verse, continuing 14.15, addresses Arjuna’s quest (2.9, 13.1). The themes of guidance, as Krishna describes action’s fruits, Jnana Yoga, as he emphasizes discernment, Moksha Sannyasa Yoga, as he points to liberation, and Karma Yoga, as he links actions to outcomes, are central.

In the Mahabharata, Arjuna’s sattvic actions (1.28–46) yield clarity, contrasting Duryodhana’s painful and ignorant acts (1.3–11). The teaching aligns with Jnana Yoga (13.9) and Karma Yoga (2.47), detailing action’s consequences. Krishna builds on rebirth outcomes (14.15).

Philosophically, the verse ties actions to gunadriven results, a theme refined with teachings on karma (2.47). Arjuna’s path is clarified by pursuing sattvic actions. The Gita’s focus on Moksha Sannyasa Yoga underscores liberation through purity. The verse connects to teachings on action’s fruits (3.8).

Sanjaya’s narration ensures objective clarity. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s outcomes, where actions shape results. Krishna’s teaching prepares readers to act sattvically, aligning with moksha. The fruits resonate with Arjuna’s duty to act righteously.