Illustration for Bhagavad Gita chapter 18 verse 25
Chapter 18 · Moksha Sanyasa Yoga

A Moment's Reflection · Preventing Avoidable Harm

अनुबन्धं क्षयं हिंसामनपेक्ष्य च पौरुषम् । मोहादारभ्यते कर्म यत्तत्तामसमुच्यते ॥

anubandhaṁ kṣayaṁ hiṁsām anapekṣya ca pauruṣam mohād ārabhyate karma yat tat tāmasam ucyate

Meaning

"Action begun out of delusion, without regard for consequence, loss, injury, or one's own ability, is declared to be tamasic."

Explanation

Acting impulsively, without any thought for consequences or your own real capacity, tends to cause harm that a moment's honest reflection could have prevented.

Today's Life Lesson

Before acting impulsively today, take one honest moment to consider the consequences and your real capacity.

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