Word meanings
- yayā
- by which
- tu
- but
- dharma-kāma-arthān
- duty, pleasures, and wealth
- dhṛtyā
- through steadfast will
- dhārayate
- holds
- arjuna
- Arjun
- prasaṅgena
- due of attachment
- phala-ākāṅkṣī
- desire for rewards
- dhṛtiḥ
- determination
- sā
- that
- pārtha
- Arjun, the son of Pritha
- rājasī
- in the mode of passion
Translations
But that, O Arjuna, by which one holds fast to Dharma (duty), enjoyment of pleasures, and earning of wealth, on account of attachment and desire for reward—that firmness, O Arjuna, is Rajasic (passionate).
The conviction that always holds fast to rituals, self-interest, and wealth for the sake of what they may bring forth comes from passion.
But, O Partha, the steadfastness with which one holds on to righteousness, covetable things, and wealth, desiring their fruits as the occasion for each arises, that steadfastness is born of rajas.
हे पृथानन्दन अर्जुन ! फलकी इच्छावाला मनुष्य जिस धृतिके द्वारा धर्म, काम (भोग) और अर्थको अत्यन्त आसक्तिपूर्वक धारण करता है, वह धृति राजसी है।Commentary
The man of Rajasic firmness imagines that he will achieve the threefold aim of life and clings to it passionately. He is desirous of getting the rewards of his actions. He endeavours to attain Dharma, wealth and pleasure. The firmness of such a person is Rajasic or passionate. Now listen? O Arjuna, to the third kind of firmness -- the Tamasic type.