Srimad Bhagavad Gita Shloka 14.12

“Greed, activity, restlessness, undertaking of actions, and longing—these arise when rajas prevails.”
Key Teaching: Rajas manifests as greed, restlessness, and action.
Theme: Guidance, Jnana Yoga, Moksha Sannyasa Yoga, Karma Yoga.
Description:
Krishna explains that greed, activity, restlessness, undertaking actions, and longing arise when rajas prevails. This verse, continuing 14.11, addresses Arjuna’s quest (2.9, 13.1). The themes of guidance, as Krishna describes rajas’ signs, Jnana Yoga, as he emphasizes discernment, Moksha Sannyasa Yoga, as he warns of bondage, and Karma Yoga, as he addresses action, are central.

In the Mahabharata, Duryodhana’s ambition (1.3–11) reflects rajas, contrasting Arjuna’s restraint (1.28–46). The teaching aligns with Jnana Yoga (13.9) and Karma Yoga (2.47), detailing rajas’ effects. Krishna builds on sattva’s signs (14.11), contrasting with rajas.

Philosophically, the verse highlights rajas’ restless nature, a theme refined with teachings on desire (3.37). Arjuna’s path is clarified by transcending rajasic traits. The Gita’s focus on Moksha Sannyasa Yoga warns against actiondriven bondage. The verse connects to teachings on selfless action (2.47).

Sanjaya’s narration ensures objective clarity. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s restlessness, where rajas binds. Krishna’s teaching prepares readers to transcend greed, aligning with moksha. The description resonates with Arjuna’s battlefield struggle.