Gita Talk 85–3 Types of Action

The eighty-fifth in a series of talks by Swami Nirmalananda Giri (Abbot George Burke) on the Bhagavad Gita, India's most famous scripture: the unforgettable dialog between Sri Krishna and Arjuna about the essence of spiritual life.

In this talk, beginning with Chapter 18:23, Swamiji discusses three types of action according to the gunas: sattwa, rajas, and tamas, as well as the three types of doers of action.

Swamiji explains Krishna’s teaching on three kinds of action as defined by their motive, attitude, and effect. These types align with the three gunas: sattwa (purity), rajas (restlessness), and tamas (ignorance).

Sattwic Action – Right and Pure

• Performed as a duty, without ego, and without craving for the result.

• Can be ordained by scripture (dharma shastras) or by one’s inner conscience and good sense.

• Done not because it’s pleasant or convenient, but because it’s right.

• Free of likes, dislikes, fear, or compulsion.

• Example: telling a loved one a hard truth for their benefit—not because it’s enjoyable, but because it’s necessary and right.

This action creates good karma but is not driven by desire for reward.

Rajasic Action – Driven by Ego and Desire

• Done with a personal agenda, seeking fulfillment of desires, recognition, or gain.

• Effortful in a wasteful or obsessive way, beyond good sense.

• Focused on self-centered outcomes—“what’s in it for me?”

• May look noble, but its root is ego, not dharma.

Overexertion, emotional restlessness, and attachment mark rajasic action.

Tamasic Action – Deluded and Destructive

• Arises from ignorance, confusion, or delusion.

• Done without considering outcomes, morality, or one’s actual ability.

• Example: acting rashly, stubbornly, or in a vengeful spirit, thinking it’s justified.

• Includes actions done out of resentment, inertia, laziness, or even perverse pettiness (like refusing to help someone out of fear they might benefit).

This kind of action brings harm and blocks spiritual growth.

The Three Types of Doers (Actors)

Swamiji also examines the “doer”—the one who performs action:

• Sattwic Doer: unattached, calm, steady, unaffected by success or failure.

• Rajasic Doer: restless, greedy, violent, emotional, and prideful.

• Tamasic Doer: stubborn, dishonest, lazy, depressed, or so hesitant they can’t act at all.

Swamiji’s Commentary

Swamiji reflects on how some people refuse to do the right thing even in small matters, simply to deny benefit to others. He shares anecdotes about extreme selfishness—like refusing to vacate a parking spot to prevent others from using remaining meter time—as examples of tamasic behavior in real life.

He emphasizes that awareness of motive is crucial. The path of liberation involves moving from tamasic confusion, through rajasic ambition, to sattwic clarity and purpose, and ultimately beyond all three gunas.