| There
is "right" Action: that which- being enjoined- Is wrought
without attachment, passionlessly, For duty, not for love, nor hate,
nor gain. There is "vain" Action: that which men pursue
Aching to satisfy desires, impelled By sense of self, with
all-absorbing stress: This is of Rajas- passionate and vain. There
is "dark" Action: when one doth a thing Heedless of
issues, heedless of the hurt Or wrong for others, heedless if he
harm His own soul- 'tis of Tamas, black and bad!
There is the "rightful" doer.
He who acts Free from self-seeking, humble, resolute, Steadfast, in
good or evil hap the same, Content to do aright- he
"truly" acts. There is th'
"impassioned" doer. He that works From impulse, seeking
profit, rude and bold To overcome, unchastened;
slave by turns Of sorrow and of joy: of Rajas he! And there be evil
doers; loose of heart, Low-minded, stubborn, fraudulent, remiss,
Dull, slow, despondent- children of the "dark."
Hear, too, of Intellect and Steadfastness The threefold separation,
Conqueror-Prince! How these are set apart by Qualities. Good
is the Intellect which comprehends The coming forth and going back
of life, What must be done, and what must not be done, What should
be feared, and what should not be feared, What binds and what
emancipates the soul: That is of Sattwan, Prince! of "soothfastness."
|
