In the previous episode, we had witnessed the continuation of the important discussion about how our “Karma” is based out of our three “Gunas” – Satva, Rajas and Tamas. As part of this discussion, we’ve also witnessed important pointers when it comes to “detachment”. We’ve witnessed how we should still lead a family life (Samsara) and at the same time, surrender all our actions to Bhagawan as we keep doing them. Similarly in the yesterady’s episode, we’ve also witnessed that whenever we pray to Bhagawan or whenever we go to His temple, we should make sure that we do not ask Him for certain “short-term” aspects in life. Our ultimate aim at the end of this birth should always be to attain “Moksha”. For attaining this, of course, we can ask Bhagawan whatever it takes. However, what do we do in the present day? If we taste success in our worldly pursuit and even for small things, we get so overwhelmed with joy and we totally forget Bhagawan altogether! We’re so carried away by the resultants of our actions. Whereas, on the other hand, if we’re encountering problems or failures, we get so dejected and depressed that we immediately run towards Bhagawan for help!
Of course, Bhagawan is never going to say that He’s not going to help us out in this. But, we should ask within ourselves, whether is this the right thing for us to do! Of course, we can always share our difficulties with Bhagawan – But with what mindset? We should share it with Him thus, “Oh Bhagawan! As outlined by you, I’m striving hard to walk the path of attaining Moksha! However, in this birth, I have certain difficulties, with which it becomes tough for me to walk this path at the moment. Hence, it would be great if you can guide us with a solution for this”! If we’re asking this way to Bhagawan, it means that we’re asking Him keeping our “long-term” focus of “Moksha” in mind. Whereas, if we’re just asking for solutions to our present-day problems, it just means that we’re totally “short-term” oriented. We should understand this point as we move forward.
Moving on further thus, we shall witness the next important point when it comes to the manifestation of the three “Gunas” in ourselves. Just like how the meteorological department keeps coming up with different predictions for the climate every passing day, our “Satva”, “Rajas” and “Tamo” Gunas keep changing and keep dominating each other at all times. This is why we often see a change of moods and emotions in people. For instance, I’m going to a person, seeking help for my son’s studies. Assume that I need Rs. 1 Lakh for my son’s admission into a university for a professional course, and I do not have that much of money in hand. Hence, I go to my neighbour seeking help. The moment I explain my situation to my neighbour, he / she might tell today thus, “Oh! So what if you’re facing a problem with your finances? Why do you want to talk to me in such a formal language? I’m always ready to help you with money at any time. Rs. 1 Lakh isn’t a big problem for me to lend. I shall definitely take up your son’s education and even sponsor the fees for all the four years of his education!” Upon hearing thus from our neighbour, we would be so happy and would reply back thus, “Oh thank you so much! I shall get the formal admit card or offer letter by next week. I shall bring it to you, and then we shall pay the fees!” All this was agreed. A week later, after obtaining the admit card, I again go to the same neighbour for the fees. Now what might be the reply? The neighbour replies thus, “Oh! Who are you? Why are you coming to me everytime seeking money? Don’t you have a job on your own? Don’t you earn enough? If no, why are you taking so much of financial commitment for your son? Anyway you’ve come to me now, seeking my help – So take this 5000 Rs. and go away! Don’t disturb me henceforth! ” We would be totally surprised thus – This was the same neighbour who committed for the Rs. 1 Lakh fee last week, and now he’s talking as if he doesn’t know anything of this!
This is where, our moods and emotions come into play. Inn today’s organizational behaviour and psychological sciences, we give so much emphasis on moods and emotions. If we’re looking at the explanation from the “Shrimad Bhaagwatha Puraana”, our moods are primarily the manifestation of our “Satva”, “Rajas” and “Tamo” Gunas at every instance of time. This is where we should understand that the neighbour was overpowered by the “Satva Guna” last week, and thus, it made him to accept the responsibility of paying Rs. 1 Lakh for the tuition fee of my son. However, this week it has changed! Now the ‘Rajo Guna” has overpowered by neighbour and this is where he’s replying me with lot of frustration and irritation! Aren’t we seeing a change here? The neighbour is the same person with the same body structure, same facial features, etc. However, the nature and demeneaur of the neighbour has totally changed upside down, within just a week’s time! How is this possible? This is where, the overpowering of one “Guna” over the other is very important. Our moods and emotions are totally determined by which “Guna” is dominating us at any instance of time!
Now extending the same example a bit further – Assume that this neighbour is going to a temple for an hour or so. He worships Bhagawan amidst all the sweet music and the informative discourse that is going on at the temple. He’s so moved by the sweetness of the music, that when he comes back home, he straightaway comes to my place and says thus, “Oh! I’m sorry for my fiery answer today morning! I was amidst a very bad mood because of some problem at my workplace. Now I just went to a temple and my mood got normalized again! You had asked for Rs. 1 Lakh right? Now here you go – I’m giving you Rs. 2 lakhs for your son’s education, and you don’t need to return this money back at any instance of time. Please treat this money as your own money!”
By looking at this, we would again be surprised! This is the same person who vented out his frustration few hours back, but how come his demeneaur changed all of a sudden? We can infer here that after he visited the temple and listened to the sweet music, the “Satva Guna” again started to dominate and the resultant action was because of the “Satva Guna” manifestation! We can see here thus, how our moods and emotions keep changing all day, and this is because of the domination of the three “Gunas” at different times of the day! So for today, let us understand this important point and let us wait till the next episode to continue this discussion further! Stay tuned! 🙂
The Indian Dharma 