Non-illumination, non-activity, heedlessness and delusion — these arise when inertia is predominant, O joy of the Kurus!.

Four signs of tamas: aprakāśa (absence of light, confusion), aprāvṛtti (inability to act, lethargy), pramāda (heedlessness), and moha (delusion).

Where sattva illuminates and rajas activates, tamas obscures and paralyzes. The tamasic person is confused, unable to act, lost in delusion.

Breaking free from tamas requires external support: satsaṅga (company of the wise), discipline, and gradually increasing activity to activate rajas.