अयुक्तः प्राकृतः स्तब्धः शठो नैष्कृतिकोऽलसः।
विषादी दीर्घसूत्री च कर्ता तामस उच्यते।।18.28।।
।।18.28।। अयुक्त? प्राकृत? स्तब्ध? शठ? नैष्कृतिक? आलसी? विषादी और दीर्घसूत्री कर्ता तामस कहा जाता है।।
The compound word dirgha-sutri means procrastinating but it also infers dirgha-suchi given to calumny of pointing out the past defects of others. The Amarakosa also states that one who exposes the mistakes of others from the past is called dirgha-sutri. Now begins the summation. According to the Shabda Tattva, one who follows the procedures for prescribed Vedic activities but due to not being consequent, procrastinates and does not commence it at the proper time is known as dirgha-sutri. The activity that is required to be performed at an auspicious time but is delayed and hence missed the mark also indicates the meaning of dirgha- sutri which includes indolence and incompetence. Although procrastination is accurate it also includes indolence, for even if one is inspired to perform prescribed Vedic activities there is some impediment and obstacles in accomplishing them. This is the result of obscuration of vision and lack of cognizance of the Supreme Lord Krishnas paramount position. So even one with the potential for great achievements, due to bewilderment, despondency and laziness fails to reap the benefits for not performing the proper activity at the proper time. Such a one is undeniably situated in tama guna the mode of ignorance.
