Chapter 14: Guṇa-traya-vibhāga-yoga:: Verse 13
अप्रकाशोऽप्रवृत्तिश्च प्रमादो मोह एव च ।
तमस्येतानि जायन्ते विवृद्धे कुरुनन्दन ॥
aprakāśo’pravṛttiśca pramādo moha eva ca
tamasy-etāni jāyante vivṛddhe kuru-nandana – 14.13
Lack of brilliance, inertia or apathy towards activity, inattention as well as delusion – these arise when tamas is enhanced, O Kurunandana (Arjuna).
Chapter 14: Guṇa-traya-vibhāga-yoga: - Verse 13
Swami Bhoomananda Tirtha
As sattva and rajas have their persuasions, tamas too has its – opposed to sattva and rajas, but complementary to their balanced function. Against sattva’s knowledge, tamas induces ignorance and darkness, and tries to subdue the intelligence and understanding. Against rajas, tamas enhances inertia or lethargy.
Again, contrary to sāttvika qualities, tamas brings inattention in both perception and performance. It hinders right knowledge and response. Tamas characteristically distorts and deludes, preventing right comprehension and devout involvement.
Krishna makes it clear that all these are instigations and persuasions of tamo-guna, coexisting with rajas and sattva, like friction with movement. Neither rajas nor sattva will reign without tamas. Together alone the three make a viable whole, enabling the individual to be wise and moderately active, ensuring sufficient health, interest and dedication.
