Chapter 18 • Verse 24
यत्तु कामेप्सुना कर्म साहंकारेण वा पुनः। क्रियते बहुलायासं तद्राजसमुदाहृतम्॥
yat tu kāmepsunā karma sāhaṅkāreṇa vā punaḥ kriyate bahulāyāsaṁ tad rājasam udāhṛitam
Meaning
But action performed with desire for fruit, or with egotism, or with much effort — that is declared to be rajasic.
Rajasic action is driven by personal desire, ego, or excessive strain. Even good deeds become rajasic when motivated by 'what's in it for me?' or 'look how hard I'm trying.' The motive pollutes.
Strength Reflection
"I examine whether ego or desire for reward drives my actions."
Devotional Surrender
O Lord, purify my actions from ego and self-interest.