Chapter 18 • Verse 35

यया स्वप्नं भयं शोकं विषादं मदमेव च। न विमुञ्चति दुर्मेधा धृतिः सा पार्थ तामसी॥

yayā svapnaṁ bhayaṁ śhokaṁ viṣhādaṁ madam eva cha na vimuñchati durmedhā dhṛitiḥ sā pārtha tāmasī

Meaning

That steadiness by which a dull-witted person does not give up sleep, fear, grief, depression, and arrogance — that steadiness, O Partha, is tamasic.

Tamasic determination stubbornly holds onto excessive sleep, irrational fear, grief, depression, and pride. It's the stubbornness of ignorance — rigidly attached to negative states.

Strength Reflection

"I release stubbornness that clings to sleep, fear, grief, and negativity."

Devotional Surrender

O Lord, free me from tamasic clinging to negative states.