1 Gita Sloka Every Day - Chapter 18 - Moksha Sanyasa Yoga - Sloka 24

The entire content of this mail is from Shri V N Gopala Desikan's  Srimad Bhagavad Gita, published by Vishishtadvaita Research Centre, Chennai and The Bhagavad Gita by Swami Chidbhavananda published by Ramakrishna Mission

The Three Gunas Give Impetus to Karma - 18-40

1 Gita Sloka  Every Day - Chapter 18 - Moksha Sanyasa Yoga - Sloka 24

Yat tu kama ipsuna karma saham karena va punah I

Kriyate bahula ayasam tat rajasam udahrutam II sloka 24

यत् तु काम ईप्सुना कर्म सहं करेण व पुनः I 

क्रियते बहुल आयसं तत् राजसं उदाहृतं II श्लोक 24

But that action which is done craving for desires or with egoism or with much effort is declared to be rajasika.

Desire is of two kinds. That which promotes a man's ethical progress, induces spiritual anguish, aids service to beings - such a desire is wholesome and fit to be fostered. But that desire which entangles a man more in worldliness  ought to be scrupulously eschewed. Earning money by honest means and expending it on good causes is dravya yagna and oight to be performed. Money should not be earned by unfair means, even though it may be for a good cause. Foul habits deprive a man of manliness.

If the body be used for indulgence, or if it is decorated or unduly fattened - these undesirable acts lead to worse forms of egosim. The boon of the human bodyought not to be used for such base purposes. A pompous body-centred life is the sign of egoism born of Rajas. This base nature maybe overcome by holding the body as a temple of God.

Nothing can be achieved without effort. And a reasonable effort is sanctioned for all undertakings. But that for which a man has not yet made himself worthy, does not come to him, try however he may. Making meaningless efforts in such cases is verily a rajasika action.