The Yoga of the Division of the Three Gunas
Divine Life
Society Publication: - Bhagavadgita – Summary of Fourteenth
Discourse by Sri Swami Sivananda
Knowledge of the three cosmic
qualities or Gunas, namely, Sattwa, Rajas and Tamas is now given through this
discourse. The knowledge of these three Gunas, which hold the entire universe
and all creatures under their sway, is of vital importance to each and everyone
for their progress and happiness in life. Without this knowledge one will be
forever bound by sorrow. In this knowledge we have the secret of success in
worldly life as well as in spiritual life. Therefore, one should acquire this
precious knowledge.
Lord Krishna
reveals that these three qualities compose the Cosmic Nature. This Cosmic
Nature is the primal source and origin of the entire creation and all things in
it. Hence all things created are subject to their influence and irresistible
power. The individual soul also is bound to the body by these three qualities
present in Cosmic Nature. The Supreme Being brings about creation through the
help of His Prakriti (Nature) endowed with these threefold qualities.
The highest of
the three qualities is Sattwa. It is pure. It brings about happiness, wisdom
and also illumination. The second quality of Rajas gives rise to passion
manifested by intense attachment and greed. It causes sorrow and suffering. The
third, termed Tamas, is the worst of all. It arises due to ignorance and
results in darkness, lethargy and delusion.
Krishna asks us
to diligently endeavor to cast out Tamas from our nature. We should control and
master Rajas, and by holding it in check, wisely divert its power towards good
kinds of activities. Sattwa should be carefully cultivated, developed and
conserved in order to enable us to attain immortality. The realized sage, of
course, goes beyond all these qualities, for, although it is Sattwa that
enables him to reach God, even this quality will bind him if he is attached to
it.
The aspirant
should know the symptoms and signs of their presence in his personality and
acquire knowledge of their subtle workings. Then only can he maintain an
unhampered and smooth progress in all activities of his life, both secular as
well as spiritual. Lord Krishna teaches us this important subject in this
discourse from the ninth to the eighteenth verse. He declares that one who
rises beyond all the three Gunas through spiritual practices, becomes free from
birth, death, old age and sorrow, and enjoys immortality.
In reply to a
question from Arjuna, the blessed Lord describes the marks of one who has risen
above the three Gunas. He states that if one constantly worships Him with
exclusive devotion one will attain the highest divine experience and supreme
peace and blessedness.
Excerpts from:
The Yoga of the Division of the Three Gunas - Bhagavadgita – Summary
of Fourteenth Discourse by Sri Swami Sivananda
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