Illustration for Bhagavad Gita chapter 18 verse 24
Chapter 18 · Moksha Sanyasa Yoga

Straining vs. Steady Effort · What Leaves You Exhausted

यत्तु कामेप्सुना कर्म साहङ्कारेण वा पुनः । क्रियते बहुलायासं तद्राजसमुदाहृतम् ॥

yat tu kāmepsunā karma sāhaṅkāreṇa vā punaḥ kriyate bahulāyāsaṁ tad rājasam udāhṛtam

Meaning

"But action performed by one desiring its fruit, or with egotism, and with great strain, is declared to be rajasic."

Explanation

Effort itself isn't the problem — it's straining effort fueled by craving and ego that tends to leave us exhausted rather than fulfilled.

Today's Life Lesson

If today's work feels exhausting rather than fulfilling, check whether ego or craving has crept into how you're doing it.

More verses to reflect on