yayā tu dharma-kāmārthān dhṛtyā dhārayate 'rjuna prasaṅgena phalākāṅkṣī dhṛtiḥ sā pārtha rājasī
"But the fortitude by which one holds to dharma, desire, and wealth with attachment, craving their fruits, O Arjuna—that, O Partha, is rajasic."
What This Means:
Rajasic fortitude is the willpower used to pursue righteousness, pleasure, and wealth with attachment, always wanting the rewards they bring.
Going Deeper:
The three purusharthas - dharma (duty), kama (desire), artha (wealth) - are legitimate goals, but 'prasangena' (with attachment) and 'phalakankshi' (desiring fruits) transform the pursuit. Rajasic dhriti sustains effort but for self-centered rewards. It can achieve worldly success but doesn't lead to liberation because attachment remains.
How To Apply This:
You can have strong willpower and still be rajasic. Check your motivation: Are you pursuing goals for the rewards, or from a sense of dharma?
Key Sanskrit Terms: