Glossary · Philosophy
Rajas
रजस्
What does Rajas mean?
Rajas is the energy of movement. When it dominates, a person is driven by desire, competitiveness, and attachment to outcomes. Rajasic action is done with great effort, for personal gain, and with anxiety about results.
The Gita does not condemn activity itself — Krishna is urging Arjuna to act — but it asks that action be purified of rajasic craving. Chapter 3 explains that disciplined, selfless action is superior to restless ambition.