॥ Chapter 14, Shloka 16 ॥

कर्मणः सुकृतस्याहुः सात्त्विकं निर्मलं फलम्।
रजसस्तु फलं दुःखमज्ञानं तमसः फलम्।। १४.१६ ।।

Summary Translation:

The result of pious action is pure and is said to be in the mode of goodness. But action done in the mode of passion results in misery, and action performed in the mode of ignorance results in foolishness.

Detailed Analysis:

In this verse, Lord Krishna defines the Fruits of actions performed in each of the three Gunas. He states that the phalam (result) of sukrtasya (virtuous/Sattvic) action is nirmalam—spotless and pure. The phalam of rajasas (passion) is duhkham (misery), and the phalam of tamasah (ignorance) is ajnanam (darkness/ignorance). This analysis presents the Harvest of human behavior. It tells us that every Choice we make has a Consequence. Actions done in Sattva—without attachment and with a Sense of Duty—result in Peace and Clarity. The Spotlessness (nirmalam) refers to the fact that these actions do not Burden the soul with new Karma. In a religious sense, this shloka provides the Evidence for the Law of Karma. It explains why Success (Rajas) often ends in Burnout and pain. Rajasic action is driven by Desire, and since desires are Infinite, they always lead to Disappointment. The Fruit of Tamas is the most Tragical—it results in deeper Blindness. Krishna is Explaining to Arjuna that his Hesitation (Tamas) will lead to Ignorance of his true duty. This verse provides the Logic for Righteousness (Dharma). By Recognizing that Pain is a symptom of Rajas, a seeker can Shift toward Sattva. The detailed interpretation emphasizes that Happiness is not an external object but a Result of internal purity. For a devotee, this is a Instruction to be Vigilant about the Intent behind every action. This shloka thus serves as a Balance Sheet, showing the Profit of Sattva and the Loss of Rajas and Tamas.