Understanding Universe and Life – Samkhya Philosophy- 4
(pls refer to http://www.omdasji.blogspot.in/2013/01/map-of-creation-samkhya-philosophy-flow.html)
MAHA GUNAS
Within Prakriti are the three fundamental forces called the Maha-Gunas:
• Tamas - inertia and decay
• Rajas- momentum and desire
• Sattva- balance, luminosity, and knowledge
The Gunas are born from Prakriti. Originally they were in a state of perfect balance. When there was a disturbance in Prakriti, the process of creation began. Different beings were created possessing the three gunas in different proportions. The Satwa, Rajas and Tamas exist in all beings including humans in various degrees of concentration and combination. The nature, actions, behaviour, attitude, attachment to world, etc., all depend on the combination of Gunas. The primary function of Gunas is to keep the beings attached to this material world through attachment so that all beings are under the control of Prakriti.
The Gunas represent the subtle attributes of the mind, including its mental and psychological aspects, as well as, the other non-physical sheaths of the individual.
- The Satwa holds the subtle vibration of clarity, higher intelligence, knowledge, spirituality and balance. The purpose of sattva is joy and harmony
- The Rajas is that of desire, activity, turbulence and passion. Its purpose is to promote change and movement
- The Tamas vibrates at the frequency of inertia, darkness, ignorance, confusion, resistance and attachment. Its purpose is stability
Our success in the material world also depends on the balance of Gunas in us. Optimally, the Gunas should be in harmony with the particular action being performed. For example, sleeping requires the Tamasic Guna of dullness and inertia. If there is too much Rajasic Energy involved in the act of sleeping, then there is insomnia. Similarly, meditation requires more Satwic Energy. If there is too much Rajasic Energy involved in meditation then the person is unable to sit still and his mind wanders endlessly. Executing and supervision of work requires Rajasic Energy and if the Satwic Energy dominates, the person will be unable to command others to work and if Tamasic Energy dominates, the person will become a tyrant and oppress those under him. Through strong will and intent, we change the balance of Gunas in our systems in order to successfully perform the many varieties of actions that are essential in our daily lives.
With the manifestation of Gunas in creation, the individual souls come under their influence and the cycle of birth and death begins. In the 14th Chapter of Bhagwad Gita, Sri Krishna gives the definition of Gunas and describes them in the great detail.
- Satwa is pure, illuminating and free from sickness. It binds the soul through attachment with happiness and knowledge
- Rajas is full of passion and is born out of intense desires and attachment. It binds the soul to the world with action
- Tamas is darkness and crudeness in man. It is born out of ignorance and causes delusion. It binds the soul through indolence, sleep and recklessness
We have to first reduce Tamas and Rajas to a minimum and increase Satwa in us to the maximum possible. By doing so, we gain the right knowledge and wisdom which show us the path to liberation. Only when we transcend all the three Gunas, we can attain immortality and freedom from sorrow, birth & death.
(Contd in next blog 5....)
