Integration of lifestyle

Arjuna asked Sri Krishna a question, which we all ask. He said to Sri Krishna,

I can understand that effort and faith go hand in hand, so faith alone cannot provide the means of achieving the final goal; there has to be an effort, there has to be discipline. You mentioned that other aspects of life are governed by the three gunas. What are those aspects? Continue reading

Become free of all possessions

The Brahman said:

  1. The acquisition of anything whatsoever that men hold as dearest leads to misery. But he who knows this gives up all possession attains to endless bliss.
  2. An osprey with a piece of flesh was tormented by others, stronger than itself, that had no flesh. It gave that flesh up and became happy.
  3. I do not care for honor or dishonor, nor have I any anxiety such as men with houses and children have. I sport with the Self, take pleasure in the Self and roam on earth like a child.
  4. Two people only are free from anxiety and immersed in supreme bliss—the child that knows nothing and never works and the man who has realized the Being above the Gunas.

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Who is in control of the Gunas? A Yogi.

According to the sages, there is a very clear concept that the world is a play of the three gunas. The three gunas are Tamas, Rajas and Sattwa. Life is a combination of three gunas. The three gunas are continuously interacting although only one is overriding the other two. When sattva prevails, then rajas and tamas are suppressed. Continue reading

Detached Awareness

The wise one even though in the body, does not attach importance to it. Neither pleasure nor pain affect him. Whereas the person, who lives by obeying his senses is in a dream like state. Such a person lives in the body which is influenced by our karmas and are influenced by them.

The three gunas which compose us, do not affect a person who does not identify with them. However, the wise one who is free from attachments like sleeping, walking, eating, bathing, smelling and other sensory perceptions becomes a witness. Therefore, living in the midst of Prakriti one becomes unattached like the sky, sun and the wind. – Uddhava Gita: The Last Message of Sri Krishna. Chapter 6: Verses 8—12

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The pursuit of happiness

The Gita offers a method of attaining happiness. It introduces the concept of the three gunas (qualities of nature): sattva (goodness), rajas (passion) and tamas (inertia). It suggests that happiness derived from tamas (ignorance) is fleeting and ultimately leads to suffering. Happiness derived from sattva (pure consciousness) is lasting and leads to true joy. Continue reading

Antahkaran Shuddhi

Antahkaran is the inner instrument, through which one experiences the world. It is made up of four parts: mind, intellect, consciousness and ego.

  • Mind is manas and it is constantly engaged with one’s thoughts, attachments and impressions.
  • Intellect is buddhi and it is the discriminating faculty that helps in understanding and making decisions.
  • Consciousness is Chit and it is the inner awareness that enables the soul to experience the world.
  • Ego is ahankara and it is the sense of Me, I and the feeling of being separate. Continue reading

See, hear and speak no evil

The three wise monkeys said, see no evil, hear no evil and speak no evil. This saying of the wise monkeys originated in Japan, during the Muromachi period (a time of turbulence). It is believed that they were influenced by the teachings of the Buddha. Their names were Mizaru who covered his eyes and saw no evil; Kikazaru, who covered his ears and heard no evil; Iwazaru, who covered his mouth and spoke no evil. Then there is the San Saru symbol, which says, “See the good, hear the good and speak the good.” The wise monkeys are also known as the three mystical monkeys. Continue reading

889 – Why is three a sacred number in Hinduism?

In Hinduism we follow the path of Dharma. Dharma consists of three principles, Artha (material wealth), Kama (fulfilling of desires) and attaining Moksha (righteousness and liberation). Fulfilling our responsibilities and commitments will lead to a life of harmony and detachment. Continue reading

737 – What do gunas represent in Gods

The trishul in Shiva’s right hand represents the three Gunas – Sattva, Rajas and Tamas. It is his emblem of sovereignty. He rules the universe through these three gunas. The damaru in his left hand represents the Sabda Brahmin (transcendental sound). Continue reading