Word meanings
- yat
- which
- tu
- but
- kṛtsna-vat
- as if it encompasses the whole
- ekasmin
- in single
- kārye
- action
- saktam
- engrossed
- ahaitukam
- without a reason
- atattva-artha-vat
- not based on truth
- alpam
- fragmental
- ca
- and
- tat
- that
- tāmasam
- in the mode of ignorance
- udāhṛtam
- is said to be
Translations
But that which clings to one single effect as if it were the whole, without reason, without any foundation in Truth, and is trivial—that is declared to be Tamasic.
But that which clings blindly to one idea as if it were all, without logic, truth, or insight, has its origin in darkness.
But that (knowledge) is said to be born of tamas which is confined to one form as if it were all, which is irrational, unconcerned with truth, and trivial.
किंतु जो (ज्ञान) एक कार्यरूप शरीरमें ही सम्पूर्णके तरह आसक्त है तथा जो युक्तिरहित, वास्तविक ज्ञानसे रहित और तुच्छ है, वह तामस कहा गया है।Commentary
The knowledge which regards that each and every object or being exists by itself and is perfect by itself, is Tamasic. One single effect Such as the body, thinking it to be the Self, or an idol, taking it for God, and thinking that there is nothing higher than that. The naked Jains consider that the soul which dwells in the body is of the same size as that of the body. Some regard that Isvara is a mere piece of stone or wood. Such knowledge is really not based on reason. It does not see things in their true light.
It is narrow (Alpam) as it is not founded on reason. It produces very small results too. It extends over a limited area and is not allcomprehensive. This knowledge is said to be Tamasic, as it is found in Tamasic persons who are devoid of the power of discrimination.