Srimad Bhagavadgita Sadhaka Sanjivani -Swami Ramsukhdas
Chapter 18
Here, a doubt arises, that in gaining true knowledge, there is mention of perception, of evil and pain[1] while, here it is mentioned, that action which is abandoned, because it is painful or from fear of physical suffering, is rajasika relinquishment, and here, relinquishment of action is forbidden. These two statements seem contrary. The clarification is, that these are not contrary, but the topics are different. There, it is mentioned, that one should perceive evil and pain, in pleasure and so should abandon, pleasure. But here, it refers to performing, one's duty. So duty must not be relinquished, rather it must be performed. Perception of evil and pain, in pleasure develops dispassion, which leads to God-realization, while relinquishment of one's duty, because it is painful or full of physical suffering, leads to bondage [2]. Fruit of both the rajasika and tamasika relinquishment, is tamasika, which leads people to sink deeply [3].
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