Why Do We Commit Sinful Acts?

The four kinds of desires

- Shri Murarilal Dhanuka

In verse thirty-six of chapter three of the Bhagavad Gita, Arjuna asked Lord Krishna, “But, why is a man impelled to commit sin, as by force, against his will O Krishna?” The Lord answered in verse thirty-seven of chapter three. “It is desire and it is anger, born of the mode of passion (Rajas), most greedy and most sinful. Know this to be enemy concerned.”

A person believes that worldly objects provide him pleasure, so he has a desire to acquire them in order to enjoy that pleasure. This desire gives birth to attachment, and as long as this process continues, the person cannot get rid of sinful acts.

Actions towards sensual pleasure and prosperity sometimes are committed under the sway of desire, while other times under the sway of anger. Desire is the root cause of sin. When desire is satisfied, it gives birth to greed but when desire is not satisfied, it gives birth to anger. So desire is the root of all sins and sufferings. A man with a desire cannot get happiness even in a dream. If desire is renounced, there is no question of any suffering.