Srimad Bhagavad Gita Shloka 14.15

“Dying in rajas, one is born among those attached to action; dying in tamas, one is born in wombs of the deluded.”
Key Teaching: Death in rajas or tamas leads to actionbound or deluded births.
Theme: Guidance, Jnana Yoga, Moksha Sannyasa Yoga, Karma Yoga.
Description:
Krishna states that dying in rajas leads to birth among actionattached beings, and dying in tamas leads to deluded wombs. This verse, continuing 14.14, addresses Arjuna’s quest (2.9, 13.1). The themes of guidance, as Krishna describes afterlife outcomes, Jnana Yoga, as he emphasizes discernment, Moksha Sannyasa Yoga, as he warns of bondage, and Karma Yoga, as he links actions to rebirth, are central.

In the Mahabharata, Duryodhana’s rajasic and tamasic traits (1.3–11) reflect these destinies, contrasting Arjuna’s sattva (1.28–46). The teaching aligns with Jnana Yoga (13.9) and Karma Yoga (2.22), detailing gunadriven rebirths. Krishna builds on sattva’s outcome (14.14).

Philosophically, the verse ties gunas to rebirth, a theme refined with teachings on karma (2.22). Arjuna’s path is clarified by avoiding rajas and tamas. The Gita’s focus on Moksha Sannyasa Yoga warns against bondage. The verse connects to teachings on rebirth (2.22).

Sanjaya’s narration ensures objective clarity. This verse serves as a metaphor for life’s consequences, where gunas shape destiny. Krishna’s teaching prepares readers to transcend rajas and tamas, aligning with moksha. The outcomes resonate with Arjuna’s liberation quest.