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Tripartite
Theory in Shreemad Bhagwad Geeta and Its Relevance in Present Time |
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Paper Id :
18434 Submission Date :
2024-01-11 Acceptance Date :
2024-01-15 Publication Date :
2024-01-20
This is an open-access research paper/article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. DOI:10.5281/zenodo.10513016 For verification of this paper, please visit on
http://www.socialresearchfoundation.com/anthology.php#8
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Abstract |
The contemporary world is passing
through a deep crisis of moral, ethical, spiritual, eternal and philosophical
values. Human virtues like justice, truth, which is everlasting, above and
beyond mundane existence, sacrifice, reason, morality, courage and self-control
are the basic pillars for the development of any civil society. But nowadays
these virtues are fast decaying. In this situation, the message of Geeta is
very relevant today’s world. Srimad Bhagwad Geeta is widely recognized as a
scriptural text of world-wide importance.
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Keywords | Tripartite , Theory, Shreemad, Bhagwad. | ||||||
Introduction | The
Geeta is an intimate dialogue between Sri Krishna and Arjuna. A great battle is
to ensue between the two royal clans of Kaurwas and Pandawas. Every human heart
is like a battlefield of good and evil forces. At times a person is not able to
decide the right course of action. He is deluded and confused. When confronted
with such a situation, he can turn to the Geeta; it will not disappoint him.
This is of universal appeal which offers satisfactory solution to above
mentioned basic human values. What page you turn, and whichever verse you read,
it is bound to elevate and inspire. It is not a book of particular race or
religion but the common heritage of entire mankind. The
message of Geeta presents a profound insight into the working of human Nature
and provides the most appropriate guidance which is needed in almost every
field of life in order to live in perfect-harmony with our own-self and with
others. The dialogue provides an understanding into the mystery of the Supreme
soul and how every individual can restore himself to the supremacy of his
essential nature. The Geeta summarizes various approaches to the one-self and
also describe the latter. Sri Krishna not only represents the embodied
spiritual teacher, He is ultimately the Over-self within man, the God within
who can illuminate all dark corners and answer all question. |
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Objective of study | This paper will
describe how the- ‘Tripartite theory of Shreemad Bhagwad Geeta’- provides the
solutions of above mentioned values which are at present in the state of a
critical downfall.)
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Review of Literature | Srimad Bhagwdgeeta is
a dialogue between the Lord Sri Krishna and a man of action Arjuna set amidst
the din and roar of war. The good and evil forces within are the battlefield of
life. Man often finds himself in a crisis, where he is psychologically unable
to cope with the situation at hand, or even decide the right course of action.
In this inner turmoil, there is a great battle between the positive and
negative inclinations. The Geeta portrays this great spiritual struggle within
man and guides him towards his inherent divinity and positivity. In doing so,
this holy celestial song explains the tripartite nature of man, his purpose in
the world the means for him to attain his goals. The Shreemad Bhagwad Geeta is the most luminous dialogue in the legacy of Vedic literature. The holy poem has been upheld as one of the Prasthan- traya- the three authoritative books of the Sanatana Vedic religion. The first one is the Vedic Prasthan called Upnishads, the second is the philosophical Prasthan – the Brahma Sutra; The third Prasthan is the Bhagwad Geeta. These three holy books constitute the final authority of scriptural matters. Geeta is a unique scripture which summarizes almost all the essential teachings of the Vedic literature. It has been a perennial source of spiritual inspiration for the entire mankind. The message of the holy dialogue has been held in deep reverence by the sages, philosophers and learned scholars all over the world. The teachings of Geeta are universal, broad and sublime meant for the welfare of entire creation. The Bhagwad Geeta is one of the most well known and revered texts among the other scriptures of the world. It is a compendium of spiritual wisdom and the most appropriate guide for living a harmonious life in all respects. In brief, The Bhagwad Geeta, often referred to simply as the Geeta, is a 700- verse Sanatana- Hindu scripture that is an integral part of the great Indian epic Mahabharta. It consists of conversation between Prince Arjuna and the Lord Shree Krishna, who serves as his mentor and charioteer. The Tripartite Theory of in the Srimad Bhagwageeta is a significant aspect that delves into the three gunas- Sattva, Rajas and Tamas. The Geeta explores how these gunas influence human behavior, determining one’s nature and actions. The interplay of gunas is presented as a fundamental framework for understanding the complexities of life and achieving spiritual balance. Furthermore, the Geeta emphasizes the importance of selfless action as a rise above the influence of the gunas. By understanding and mastering the tripartite nature of existence, individuals can navigate life’s challenges with wisdom and detachment, ultimately attaining spiritual enlightenment. In short, it is a complete manual for achieving success and peace in life. |
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Main Text |
At the end of
the dialogue after hearing all the teachings pupils mind become peaceful.
He says indeed: “My doubts are dispelled. Destroyed are my illusions.” नष्टो मोहः स्मृतिर्लब्धा त्वत्प्रसादान्मयाच्युत। स्थितोऽस्मि गतसन्देहः करिष्ये वचनं तव ।। 18:73 My delusion is
destroyed and I have regained knowledge of the self through your grace. Now I
am totally integrated and free from all doubts. I shall act according to thy
word. How it become
possible? By following the tripartite principle of our mind and
through both the guidance and grace received from his teacher and his own inner
growth in striving for insight. The difficulties one meets in modern life can
be met and overcome after we gain such insight. Wisdom means the ability to
negotiate all the circumstance of life adequately, correctly and with spiritual
success. The deep spiritual comfort emanating from the teaching of Geeta is
peculiarly needed at this stage of the world’s affairs. Chapter
fourteen of Geeta has been entitled on Guna-Triya-Vibhaga-Yoga -
The yoga of the Orientation of the Three Gunas:- सत्वं रजस्तम द्वति गुणाः प्रकृति सम्भवाः। निबधवन्ति महाबाहो देहे देहिनम व्ययम।। 14:05 This
discourse explains about the communion with the Supreme Soul through the
knowledge of transcending the three gunas. The three gunas are
attributes of – the primordial nature and almost all embodied beings live under
the control of these modes. This chapter describes the characteristics and the
function of the three gunas and how the imperishable soul
becomes imprisoned within the play of gunas. As described in
chapter seven and thirteen of Geeta, it is the one and the only ultimate
reality which manifests itself in the innumerable form and shapes, within
various grades of potentialities bound by their own latencies. The matter is
indeed the cosmic mother of the entire spectacular universe and Ishwara is
the cosmic father. The multitude of beings comes into existence from the union
of matter and the Supreme Spirit. It is the union of the spirit with the mater-
Which actually vitalizes the matter and gives life to inert matter. The gunas are
the primary constituent of Nature and are responsible for the rise and fall
of Jivatama in the world. These modes of nature definitively
create confusion for Jivatama and the latter forgets its true
identity. The involvement with these essential qualities of nature becomes the
cause of slavery to the material world and also the cause of birth, death and
rebirth.[1] Shri Krishna
explains the essential characteristics of these modes of nature and how they
interact with everything in the world. He also expounds upon the process in which
the pure imperishable Self becomes enslaved and bound and how he can transcend
the gunas and attain liberation in life. The realization
of the Supreme soul beyond the gunas is realized when the
individual soul reestablishes his conscious relationship with the indweller and
identifies himself with the Divinity within. That is the state of
self-realization and inner awakening. In the process of self-revelation the
individual soul is reminded of his pure essentiality and the primordial
relationship with the Supreme soul. A self-realized individual rises above the
trap of gunas, and tricks of mind. He remains grounded in the
essential nature of Divine and becomes settled in Yoga of undivided devotion.
He surely attains a positive control over the triad of the gunas and
becomes free from the bondage of all suffering, old age, death and rebirth. It
is only in human life that the individual-soul gets an opportunity for
self-examination, transformation and liberation. It should be endeavor of every
individual to learn to live a life which is consciously connected with the
awareness of the Divine. Human life should become a means of redemption. As
dictated in chapter six verse five- उद्धरेदात्मनात्मानं नात्मानम वस्मदयेत्। आत्मैव ध्यात्मनो बन्धुरान्मैव रिपुरात्मनः।। 6:5 Let a man lift
himself by his own self; let him not degrade himself; for he himself is his own
friend and he himself is his own enemy. In the words of Swami A. C. Prabhupada,
“One must deliver himself with the help of his mind, and not degrade himself.
The mind is the friend of the conditioned soul, and his enemy as well.”[2] Actually,
chapter fourteen is a continuation of previous chapter where Shri Krishna
describes at length about the field and the knower of the field with respective
characteristics. The Kshetra & Kshetrajna are two separate entities. It
is through their union only that the entire creation comes into existence. It
is due to interaction of the primordial nature and the Supreme spirit that the
individualization and spirit takes place into endless varieties. The
conversation opens by the word “Param bhuyah pravakshyami jhanamattamain” परं भूयः प्रवक्ष्यामि ज्ञानानां ज्ञानमुत्तमम् । यज्ज्ञात्वा मुनयः सर्वे परां सिद्धि मितो गताः।। 14:1 Shri Krishna
addressed Arjuna and said, I must tell you little in detail about the
transcendental Knowledge and wisdom, having know which, all the sages have
attained Supreme Bliss and liberation. As described in chapter seven of Geeta;
everyone is born with the knowledge of self and it is there within the access
of every human being. It is not something to be acquired from somebody it
actually needs to be revealed to the individual within. This integral knowledge
of the Supreme –self becomes foreign to the person because of his own
negligence and ignorance. Sri Krishna feels the urgent need for Arjuna to be
awakened once again to the wisdom of over-self. Sri Krishna feels that he is
going to enlighten him more about the inherent knowledge which will connect him
once again to the source of his essential being. It is progressive realization
from the conscious state of mind to the super conscious state of mind, from the
conditioned finite awareness to infinite awareness. In his conversation Sri
Krishna reveals the secret which obscures the true knowledge from the
individual. Step by step Arjuna is being guided beyond the realms of matter
into the mysteries of the subtle fields of consciousness. It is only after one
transcends the gross body and enters into the subtle the person can comprehend
the tyranny of matter, and actually realize the bondage of the conditioned
behavior. He also becomes acquainted with infinite bliss of the Supreme
Divinity.[3] The liberation
and emancipation mentioned in the second verse of chapter fourteen, stands for
the training of living a life in the awareness of the Divine. Sri Krishna has
mentioned the word muni in the first verse. The word muni comes
from mauni which means the one who is totally absorbed in
silence and quietude of the Supreme –Soul. When the mind of a person becomes
silent and from all types of samkalpa-vikalpa (desires and
aspirations) the mana (mind) rests in mauna and
he is called a muni. A Muni, who is perpetually absorbed in the
nature of the Supreme, he is not disturbed even in the time of dissolution of
the universe. For a muni the embodied-self becomes totally
merged into the cosmic-Self. His personal individuality is totally dissolved in
the universal- self that is why he attains freedom from the rounds of
birth-death and rebirth. According to Sri Shankaracharya, “Resorting to this knowledge,
they have achieved My own nature; they are not born at the time of
manifestation of the world; nor they are distressed at the time of its
dissolution - means living a life in the bliss of the Supreme- self, in the
integral wisdom of Supreme- Soul is like living in eternity. ‘Resorting to this
knowledge’ as set forth, i.e., having taken the steps leading to this
knowledge, they have achieved ‘the same nature as Mine’ or identity with myself
– identity with the supreme Lord. This is the idea. It is not a matter of being
similar to Me; for, in the science of Geeta, difference between the field-
knower and God is not recognized. The following declaration about the final end
of this knowledge is meant to be eulogistic: ‘Even of the time of manifestation
of the world they are not born’, nor ‘at the time of dissolution’, ‘are they
distressed’. That is they do not lapse from the state of release.”[4] The third
verse, the Prakriti (primordial nature) has been declared to
be the Mahat Brahma. Brahama means which expands
immeasurably. In ancient scriptures especially the Vedas it
has been called the ‘Hiranyagarbha’ - the cosmic womb of the beings.
There is a hymn in Atharva Veda, “Om hiranyagarbhah samavarta
taagre bhootasya jaatah patireka aaseet, sa daadhaara prithiveem dyaamutemaam
kasmai devaaya havishaa vidhema” – means at the very dawn of creation has
been the hiranyagarbha (golden womb).The seed of all the
elemental composition, and the Lord of all existence, who upholds the heaven
and earth together. Our humble salutation to that Supreme Lord. Hiranyagarbha the
cosmic subtle body is the other name of Brahma. The individual
subtle body is mind, intellect and ego. It is also called the causal body which
is responsible for the creation of the gross body. The mind, intellect and ego
are the channels through which every little sensation is perceived, received,
processed, assimilated, metabolized and manifested through thoughts, words and
deeds. The sum of all the bodies in the creation is the hiranyagarbha,
or the Mahat Brahma. Sri Krishna
says my womb is the great Brahma where I place the seed which give birth to all
the creatures of the universe. The primordial is the womb which becomes
impregnated by the Lord of the universe. Mother-nature is the womb in which the
Divine consciousness penetrates and becomes seated as the seed giving father.
It is the potency of the Divine which vitalizes the inert nature and makes it
to grow and manifest itself as the most spectacular creation. It is indeed the
potency of the Supreme spirit which is seen being expressed in each and
everything of the universe. When the Supreme soul identifies with the body, is
called the embodied-soul i.e. the individualized soul or the jivatma.
Everyone in the creation is born from the union of Mother Nature and the Lord
of the Universe as the Father. Just as a child inherits the characteristics
of both the mother and father, exactly like that every being inherits the
qualities of material nature and also the qualities of the Supreme Divinity.
When the embodied- soul takes upon the human body; Jivatma craves
to enjoy everything in the world but being the fragment of the Divine, the
embodied-spirit definitely comforted in the unity with the Super Spirit. The
embodied- soul becomes confused because of multiple identities in life
and that is why sometime in the midst of all worldly enjoyments, the
individuals feels very lonely, and occasionally seeks the forgotten
identification. Jivatma being the fragment of the Supreme-
Lord can rise to the height of genius, but if he ignores the inner connection
and drifts away from swadharma he can fall into the ditches of
degradation. Every embodied- soul is potentially the Supreme-Soul. Goal of
human life is to experience the Divinity from within and to live a life which
is consciously aligned to the Supreme-soul. Any misalignment from within
results into conscious separation from the source of life and slavery to
Matter. The Matter is a twisted rope of three gunas. The gunas are
the attitude with which mind interprets everything. The gunas are the primary
constituents of Nature; and are surely responsible for the rise and the fall of
jivatma in the world. These modes of nature definitely create confusion
for jivatma and the latter forgets its true identity. The
involvement with these essential qualities of nature becomes the cause of
slavery to material world and also the cause of birth, death and rebirth.[5] In
the words of Dyanand Verma, “When the soul merges with nature, it forgets about
its element of consciousness which is distinct from prakriti. All individuals
have these three attributes in them to a certain extent. Those who have
dominant sattvaguna are called the satguni, those
who have more of rajoguna are rajoguni and
those who have tamasguna are tamoguni. Each of
these attributes, when it is predominant, ties the individual in the bondage of
birth and death.[6] In verses five
to ten in chapter fourteen, Sri Krishna draws Arjuna’s attention to the innate
nature of man, and brings forth its examination and its melodies. As explained
in the previous verse, every individual is a child of the Primordial nature and
of the Supreme Lord; so he inherits the qualities of both. Every embodied- soul
expressed himself through the inborn disposition which is ruled by the three
types of tendencies of nature. These three qualities inherent in the behavior
of every person are called the gunas in Sanskrit. Guna literally
means the inherent property, quality or the motivating force. Theses gunas
are Sattva, Rajas and Tamas. All the thoughts, ideas, desires,
notions and actions of the individual are fostered and motivated by three gunas.
These three tendencies are found in each individual. The lesser or the greater
of them forms the personality of a person.[7] As a matter of fact the entire
human behavior can be categorized into three types. Theses modes of nature are
present in all human beings, though in different degrees. These qualities are
very distinct and manifest themselves very clearly in the overall personality
of every person. The entire creation of human beings is a drama, orchestrated
by these three qualities inherent in the basic attitude of every embodied-soul.
These qualities bind the pure imperishable soul into the strings of conditioned
behavior and into the repeated rounds of birth, death and rebirth. The
three gunas form a twisted rope of self-designed behavior of
the individual which enslaves the pure spirit into matter. The infinite spirit
feels finite and bound in all respects. The free and unbounded soul feels
trapped and imprisoned and sometime very helpless. The process in which the
spirit becomes bound is going to be discussed in these verses. The proper
knowledge of these qualities of nature is very important to be understood by
every human being. The appropriate understanding of these qualities of matter,
and the way a person becomes influenced by them; needs to be ascertained in
order t olive a harmonious life and also to make spiritual progress. These
qualities, although quite distinct from one another, can be perceived in
perfect co-operation with one another. Some times Sattva predominate the nature
of a person and at another time Rajas and Tamas. In other
words, “The incessant interplay of three modes of nature is present in all
human beings. Sometimes goodness (sattva) prevails over (abhibhuya),
the passion (rajas) and ignorance (tamas). At another times,
passion prevails over goodness and ignorance. Even ignorance prevails over
goodness and passion at times.[8] रजस्तमष्चभिभूय सत्वं भवति भारत । रजः सत्वं तमष्चैव तमः सत्वं रजस्तथा ।। 14. 10. Dr. S.
Radhaktishnan explains in his commentary of this verse, “When the theory of
‘humors’ of the body dominated physiology, men were divided into sanguine, the
bilious, the lymphatic and the nervous, according to the predominance of one or
the other of the four humours. In the Hindu classification, the psychic
characteristics are taken into account. The sattvik nature
aims at light and knowledge; the rajasik nature is restless,
full of desires for things outward. While the activities of a satvik temperament
are free, calm and selfless, the rajasik nature wishes to be
active and cannot sit still and its activities are tainted by selfish desires.
The tamasik nature is dull and inert, its mind dark and
confused and its whole life is one continuous submission to environment.”[9] With the
predominance of sattva, the individual remains consciously
connected with the purity of the Devin. This tendency illuminates the thinking
faculty and elevates intuitive ability which blesses the individual with
positive attitude and faith in God. The sattvic quality is
very helpful for a balanced, happy, pure and healthy lifestyle. All actions
performed with sattvic attitude are harmonious, enlivening,
elevating and redemptive. The sattva endowed actions promote
the sattva-vriti which guides the person towards a total
fulfillment. The individual enjoys internal and external purity with emotional
maturity and stability. The difficulty here is that when a living entity is
situated in the mode of goodness he becomes conditioned to feel that he is
advanced in knowledge and is better than others. In this way he becomes
conditioned. The best examples are the scientist and the philosopher. Each is
very proud of his knowledge and because they generally improve their living
conditions, they feel a sort of material happiness. This sense of advance
happiness in conditioned life makes them bound by the mode of goodness of
material nature. As such, they are attracted toward working in the mode of
goodness, and, as long as they have an attraction for working in that way, they
have to take some type of body in the modes of nature. Thus there is no
likelihood of liberation, or being transferred to the spiritual world.
Repeatedly one become a philosopher, a scientist or a poet and repeatedly
become entangled in the same disadvantage of birth and death. But, due to the
illusion of the material energy, one thinks that sort of life is pleasant.[10] The Rajasic
attitude is marked by excessive activity. This attitude of mind engenders and
promotes greed and desire for the sensual enjoyments. The person runs after
wealth as if forced by an insatiable demon. His greed increases like a flame
which is fostered by the oil. When the individual becomes intoxicated with very
high ambition, he falls into the traps of undesirable means of accumulating
wealth. He feels very restless, dissipated, unregulated and becomes enslaved to
the performance of some purposeless activities. The expression trsna
sangasamudhbhavam indicates that rajasic attitude
enhances the cupidity and attachment. रजो रागात्मकं विद्धि तृष्णासंङसमु˜वम । तन्निबधनाति कौन्तेय कर्मसंङेन देहिनम् ।। 14.7 This attitude
promotes the desire for accumulating wealth, saving, protecting and yet
dreaming for more. A rajasic person is perpetually working day and night to
posses, to procreate and to protect. He is always worried and fearful for
losing what he possesses and continuously concerned about making more.[11]
The Tamasic attitude
of mind is characterized by laziness, indolence, forgetfulness, and it is
symbolized by black colour. The word Tam literally means darkness. The Tamsic attitude
reflects inner darkness which expressed itself in mindlessness, sleepiness,
indolence and lack of proper insight. He lacks consistency towards
accomplishment of any goal. He remains idle and sleeps more than the body
requires. He postpones every little bit of work for tomorrow. Such a person
feels confused and deluded and cannot make any sensible decision. He generally
becomes very passive, depressed and lives a life which is only partially awake.
He feels dependent, very helpless and degraded. The Tamsic attitude
of mind enshrouds the inner light of self-awareness and the individual takes it
for granted. He accepts carelessly his self-degrading and the non performance
of the necessary duties. According to R. R. Varma’s interpretation, “The
behavior of tamsik people is almost contrary to the Rajsick. They
are sloppy, sleepy, indulgent and indolent. Trivial pursuits such as sex,
pungent food, drugs etc. are their interests. Anger and greed keep their minds
under sway. Welfare is none of their concerns. The central idea is that Tamoguna denies
both worldly and spiritual progress. The Tamsikguna being out
of ignorance keeps the being deluded by the life of indolence and heedlessness.
Aversion to the welfare of others and to creative life is their past pastime
because Tamoguna is averse both to Sattvaguna and Rajoguna.”[12] According
to Venu Gopal Acharya, “These three modes of nature are the invisible ropes.
Often the mixing and churning these energies is instant and dynamic, and one
can’t quite catch intellectually – it is too fast for the human mind to grasp.
Although it’s not easy to recognize the pull and push of the modes, if we can
make more sattva choices, we will be able to recognize the
influence of the modes on us.”[13] These three modes of nature
although quite distinct in their expression, still manifest themselves in
co-ordination and cooperation with one another. The predominance of one can be
observed in relation to the other two. A person manifests the Sattvic qualities
of his nature by consciously overpowering the Rajas and Tamas. When
the Rajasic tendency is expressed in the behavior of an
individual, the other two are partially dormant. Similarly when the Tamsic attitude
predominate the personality of an individual, the Sattvic and Rajasic qualities
become enshrouded. Any tendency that overpowers by suppressing others, manifest
its essentiality. In the words of Sri Aurobindo, “All men have in them whatever
degree the Rajasic impulse of desire and activity, the Sattvic
boon of light and happiness and all have their share Tamsic incapacity,
ignorance or nescience. But these qualities are not constant in any man in the
quantitative action of their force or in the combination of their elements; for
they are variable and in a casual state of mutual impact, displacement and
interaction.”[14] In verses eleven to fifteen, Sri Krishna gives a
detailed description of the characteristics of each mode of nature, for more
comprehensive understanding. According to Charles Wilkins, when Arjuna requests
Sri Krishna, by what tokens it is known that a man hath surpassed these three
qualities? What is his practice? What are the means by which he overcomes
theme?[15] Sri Krishna explains the hall marks of the one who has
transcended the three modes of nature; out of which the entire creation is
evolved. He desires to know more about the lifestyle of that special individual
who lives beyond the sway of the qualities of nature. Arjuna wants to
comprehend the genuine meaning of liberation and spiritual fulfillment and also
wants to know how does the man of realization behaves and acts in relation with
others in the world. In the next four verses from twenty-two to twenty-five,
Sri Krishna enumerates the characteristics of the one who has transcended the
three qualities of nature. He tells Arjuna that the modes of nature are always
present in everybody in various levels. An enlightened person, who is well
acquainted with the modes of nature, can comprehend their appearance and
disappearance quite intelligently. He lives as a master and controller of these
modes and manipulates theme according to his choice and need. A person who is
settled in the wisdom of the Higher-self, is very intuitive and knows how to
deal with every situation as it occurs. He has a clear-cut perspective of
everything as it exists. He does not get puffed up at his own state of being
enlightened and learned, and also does not worry if actions bear no fruit at
all. He knows his limitations, and understands exactly where lies the bondage
and where lies the freedom. He is well acquainted with the nature of Sattva and
monitors his behavior when the Sattvic qualities predominates his thinking
faculty. He is also well aware when the Rajasic tendencies lay
their trap in the form of excessive activity and also when the heedlessness
overtakes him. |
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Conclusion |
In
conclusion, we can say that an enlightened person, who has risen above the
slavery of the Gunas, is very intelligent, always very alert,
very vigilant and perpetually centered in the awareness of the
super-consciousness. For example, Sattva shines through his
nature he does not become involved in vain discussions. He does not indulge in
mere show off and does not brag about his inner enlightenment and special
psychic powers. He always maintains his imperturbable, inner calm and quietude.
Whenever someone showers praise upon him, he takes every word of appreciation
as an appreciation of the Lord within. In the words of Swami Chinmayananda, “A
man –of –Perfection is the same in censure and praise. The experience of a
dream cannot contribute either joy or sorrow to one who has ‘awakened’, he
might have been a beggar insulted by the entire society in the dream- world or
might have been and adored Raja ruling a vast empire in his dream. But when he
wakes up, neither the praise received as Raja, nor the censure he suffered as a
beggar can leave any reaction upon him. Awakened from dream, the man of wisdom
evaluates the blame and praise of the world outside and finds them both utterly
insignificant. In the above stated verses, Vayasa has indicated some of the
main conditions of life in which the ordinary man come to eke out his joys and
sorrows. Pleasures and pains, good and bad possessions, agreeable and disagreeable
experiences, joys and sorrows provided by praise and censure, are some of the
conditions of life by which we get entangled in a web of agitations and
sorrows.”[16] Any compliment that comes from others, he takes that as a
pure quality of Sattva being reflected from the words of the
other person; ‘Sattva complimenting the Sattva’-in
other words Gunas are acting upon the Guans. This is the
illuminated state of mind, of a Gunateeta, who has risen above the
play of the Gunas. He regards honor and dishonor, loss and gain,
pleasure and pain, as only passing phases of life. He considers that a mere
appearance disappearance of the kaleidoscopic dispositions. A Gunateeta is
not devoid of all the Gunas, he is above and beyond the slavery
of Gunas. For him the slavery of Guna has
become Atita. The one who has experienced the reality about the
qualities of nature; he understands very clearly, as what is to be the slave of
one’s own nature and what is to be the master and controller of one’s own
nature. When impulse for action is awakened, he accepts it as a call from the
Supreme Lord and works for the welfare of humanity. He considers all his plans
and projects as God-ordained work. He never lets his ego expand for the work
well done and does not regret much for the mistakes either. He neither feels to
forced to start a new project nor painful at the failure of his attempt. He is
very well acquainted with nature of Tamas also. A Gunateeta knows
very well when Tamas waxes strong suppressing Sattva and Rajas;
He immediately becomes alert and does not let negligence, sloth and laziness
make unnecessary advances. Popping up the thoughts of greed and jealousy in
human mind are very natural but the individual’s involvement in those is very
personal. A Gunateeta who has risen above the slavery of
nature; he observes and monitors every little wisp of thought that passes
through his mind. He beholds, perceives and acts only as a spectator. He knows
how to remain free from the circular pattern of worrying and being involved in
the old memories, mistakes and habits of past. He is always vigilant and never
lets his mind involved in unnecessary thinking about past and future. He knows
how to educate his mind about living in the present, from moment to moment. The
individual who has attained an appropriate mastery over the modes of nature,
for him a clod of earth, a stone and a coin of gold or silver are alike. He is
always very peaceful and maintains his neutral outlook towards everything that
comes along. It is indeed very important for every individual to introspect and
monitor very carefully the pattern of his thoughts every single minute of his
life. One must study intelligently the inter-locked mutual play of the three
qualitative modes of nature. The proper understanding of each promotes the
state of equilibrium, peace and happiness in the present life and to the life
hereafter. |
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References | [1] Prabha Duneja: The Legacy of Yoga in Bhagwad –Geeta: Publisher-
Motilal Banarsidas, Jawahar Nagar Delhi-7, 2014: Introduction Pp- 50-51. ISBN-
978-81-208-3688-4
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