तत्र सत्वं निर्मलत्वात्प्रकाशकमनामयम् |
The Bhagavad Gita Chapter 14, Verse 6
सुखसङ्गेन बध्नाति ज्ञानसङ्गेन चानघ || 6||
tatra sattvaṁ nirmalatvāt prakāśhakam anāmayam
sukha-saṅgena badhnāti jñāna-saṅgena chānagha
From these, Sattwa is free from defects, is shining and free from negatives. It imprisons, by creating an attachment to happiness and to knowledge, O’ Sinless One. The Sattwa Guna, though nearer to Self-Realization, is still based on egoism. There is an attachment to joys and pleasure, which are based on good conduct; good selfless work; charity, actions of Public or Universal benefit. This causes bondage too, preventing Self Realization. However, because of its nearness to the spirit and purity and transparency, it provides a better idea and appreciation of the Soul or the Spirit.
रजो रागात्मकं विद्धि तृष्णासङ्गसमुद्भवम् |
The Bhagavad Gita Chapter 14, Verse 7
तन्निबध्नाति कौन्तेय कर्मसङ्गेन देहिनम् || 7||
rajo rāgātmakaṁ viddhi tṛiṣhṇā-saṅga-samudbhavam
tan nibadhnāti kaunteya karma-saṅgena dehinam
Rajah Guna is completely action-oriented and the birthplace of desire and attachment. Please remember this. It tightly binds the embodied Soul, O’ Kaunteya, by attachment to action. The inherent nature of Rajah
तमस्त्वज्ञानजं विद्धि मोहनं सर्वदेहिनाम् |
The Bhagavad Gita Chapter 14, Verse 8
प्रमादालस्यनिद्राभिस्तन्निबध्नाति भारत || 8||
tamas tv ajñāna-jaṁ viddhi mohanaṁ sarva-dehinām
pramādālasya-nidrābhis tan nibadhnāti bhārata
O’ Arjuna, know that Tamas originates in ignorance. It deludes all those persons, who identify themselves with the body
सत्वं सुखे सञ्जयति रज: कर्मणि भारत |
ज्ञानमावृत्य तु तम: प्रमादे सञ्जयत्युत || 9||
sattvaṁ sukhe sañjayati rajaḥ karmaṇi bhārata
jñānam āvṛitya tu tamaḥ pramāde sañjayaty uta
The Bhagavad Gita Chapter 14, Verse 9
O’ Arjun, Sattwa Guna causes bondage by causing addiction to pleasures and happiness. Raja Guna creates bondage by causing addiction to over activities. But Tama Guna creates bondage by covering the wisdom and causing habitual carelessness and delusion. Here Lord Krishna is speaking about the mechanisms by which the three Gunas cause bondage of the Soul (Spirit) to body and mind (matter). When a person is evolved higher due to his spiritual practice of prior births, he recognizes higher values of life. Tries to rise above Egoism. He identifies more with other her beings too. He derives joy out of doing good, higher studies, intellectual pursuits. Yet he is an Ego person. The Rajasic person is more egoistic, selfish, overactive, physically and mentally, and, restless. His addiction is to physical enjoyment and actions. The Tamasic person is lethargic, physically & mentally ignorant of higher values of life. He lacks alertness and a sense of responsibility. Among Human Beings, he is least evolved spiritually and intellectually.
रजस्तमश्चाभिभूय सत्वं भवति भारत |
रज: सत्वं तमश्चैव तम: सत्वं रजस्तथा || 10||
rajas tamaśh chābhibhūya sattvaṁ bhavati bhārata
rajaḥ sattvaṁ tamaśh chaiva tamaḥ sattvaṁ rajas tathā
The Bhagavad Gita Chapter 14, Verse 10
O’ Bhaarata,
- Overpowering Rajas and Tamas Guna, Sattwa Guna dominates.
- Overpowering Sattwa Guna and Tamas Guna, Rajas Guna grows and dominates.
- Overpowering Sattwa and Rajas Guna, Tamas Guna dominates.
This is a very important verse, which gives us the technique of giving up the lower Gunas, bringing up the higher Guna, then going beyond the Gunas and realizing the Self. Here, remembering Ones Will Power and applying it to one’s Sadhana and practicing the selected work culture and code of conduct, one suppresses the undesired Guna, helps it to grow and dominate the work culture and life style. But for this purpose a spiritual guide or Guru is necessary. The Guru can find the ideal Guna for a Seeker at a given period of time. He, then prescribes the right techniques from time to time, watching the progress of the student or disciple. Remembering one’s Will Power and exercising it, one can start and progress in the prescribed spiritual practice. The Guru or Guide gives a boost to Will Power from time to time.
Rule of 5 W’s and 6 P’s
It is worthwhile to remember the Rule of 5 W’s and 6 P’s for error free practice and progress. Dear Divine Godlike friends, success is given by the Supreme Spirit. It is true. But the seeker has to prove his willingness and co-operation in the process, by sincere and regular practice for a long time, according to the guidance of the Guru. It is also true that God is the Supreme Guru, but His Will works through the human Gurus. Using one’s willpower, one should practice and progress until the Goal is achieved. Life is short, obstacles are many. Diligently and carefully, by the guidance of the Guru, Guide, one should practice, practice and practice. Always remember the Kriya Yoga Rule of 5 W’s and 6P’s. If you love life, life will give you love. But the love should be in Kaaya, Mano, Vakya and Spirit.
May God and Guru Bless, Guide, Protect and Inspire each one of us and the Whole Universe.
With Love and Best Wishes,
Paramahansa Atmananda Ji