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The Three Primary Energies Determining our Lives
Chapter 1
An Introductory Explanation of the “Gunas”
Definition of Guna
We are embarking on the discussion of an extremely important subject. If we understand and put the following ideas into practice, we can change our lives. Even a basic familiarity with these concepts can cause a change for the better. This knowledge can affect how successful, healthy and harmonious we are.
First we need to understand the definition of the word guna. There are two meanings – “rope” and “quality”, although these translations are somewhat superficial. The Yoga-Sutra, which is the foundation of Eastern psychology, gives a more exact, deep explanation – the gunas are that lie at the core of all qualities.
According to yoga psychology, the gunas determine the internal as well as external qualities of everything. If an object is a combination of different components then the quality of this object will be determined by the quality of all its components.
Eastern psychology explains that gunas influence all spheres of life. The three gunas are the foundation of the manifested Universe, and determine the direction of all aspects of life and the condition of different types of objects. The Bhagavad-Gita (3.27) states that while a living being imagines itself as the cause of all its actions, in reality all activity is performed by the three modes (gunas) of material nature; the living entity can only desire.
The American professor of psychotherapy Abraham Maslow demonstrated by research that ninety-nine percent of people lead a mechanical or unconscious existence. Only one percent adhere to the principles of Eastern psychology, although unaware of these principles, and thus lead a more mindful life-style. These people are more successful than all the ninety-nine percent put together. If you put into practice the knowledge in this book, you can easily become part of this one percent – a healthy, happy and harmonious person who is no longer a slave to lower energies.
Everything is Defined by Subtle Energy
Everything we see in this world is a mixture of different energies. All people, places and things radiate some kind of energy. We all need energy to have healthy, creative lives. If certain forms of energy, such as oil or electricity, were to disappear suddenly, our modern civilization would deteriorate within a few days.
There are different types of energy – gross and subtle, material and spiritual, good and evil. If we received a written message saying “I love you”, we would be delighted; but if the “I hate you” written on the same paper with the same pen, it could be devastating.
Similarly, when we enter a place where a quarrel has occurred, the atmosphere often feels stiffed, producing a feeling of coming in contact with something filthy, even if people may be seating, working, or smiling. If we live mainly in tamas and rajas (ignorance and passion), we may feel quite comfortable in such an atmosphere, even finding pleasure in it, and at times creating similar situations out of a pure environment.
Everything is decided by subtle energy. If our subtle body becomes even slightly active by practicing yoga and chanting mantras or prayers, we will start to see and feel this energy.
Origin and Categories of Energies
The Vedas state that God, Adipurusam, is the primeval Supreme Essence, the only Parabrahman from which all energies come.
The three main energies are:
1. Internal (spiritual).
2. Marginal (living entities, souls, living as we do in this material world).
3. External (material or illusory).
The spiritual or internal (1) energy is divided into three types:
A. Samvit – knowledge.
B. Sadhini – existence.
C. Hladini – bliss.
The external or illusory (3) energy is also divided into three energies:
A. Sattva (goodness) – the energy of sustenance.
B. Rajas (passion) – the energy of creation.
C. Tamas (ignorance) – the energy of annihilation.
Four Steps to Understanding the Absolute Truth
The topic of the three gunas will be examined in four main stages, according to the traditional system:
1. What are the gunas?
2. How do they act?
3. How do they cause unity?
4. How can they give liberation?
When a living being enters the material world, he comes under the influence of the gunas. Absolutely everything in the material world is created by these energies. They are like the three primary colours red, blue and yellow; by mixing them, a wide variety of colours and sub-colours are created.
The gunas are the force that gives all beings the opportunity to fulfill their desires, providing an endless variety of ways to do it. This arrangement is made possible by the Supreme Existence.
Knowledge of the three gunas is extremely relevant for us. If we understand it we can achieve liberation, or at least improve all aspects of our life, because these energies are present everywhere.
Sattva is the most important energy, because it determines how happy and successful we can be in life. But it does not come naturally to us: we have to choose it consciously. Rajas and tamas come easily; our civilization welcomes rajas and its qualities of passion, activity and creativity.
The gunas permeate everything – our clothes, food, speech and even our thoughts. When people quarrel, this is a manifestation of the energy of tamas. When a man lusts over beautiful women, this is rajas. When a person meditates, performs yoga and wishes happiness for everybody, this is sattva. It is tamas when we are half asleep or inert, or if we show signs of this destructive energy by thinking negatively about someone or wishing them harm.
When we learn to see the gunas in everything and how to change from one to another, it allows us to control our life and our karma.
We need to see through the eyes of knowledge to recognize the gunas everywhere and to choose the guna of sattva (goodness). The guna of goodness gives liberation from sins and bad habits and enables us to rise to the transcendental (spiritual) level. Conversely, it is possible to be engaged in spiritual practices and yet be in rajas and tamas. In this situation, even many years of spiritual practice will not bring enlightenment but only the opposite – we can destroy our own lives and the lives of those around us.
Success in Life Depends on the Right Choice
I can always choose; but I should know that even if I don’t, I have still made a choice.
1. When we know the symptoms of the gunas and how they bind, we can determine which energy is controlling us. This can be compared to a map; you look at it and see where you are now and where you need to go. Without a map any journey can become difficult or lead to a tragic result.
2. By knowing what qualities are favourable for becoming a harmonious person, we are in a better position to make the right choice.
3. If we choose the guna of goodness, it will enable us to become happy and successful in all aspects of life.
4. According to Ayurveda, all psychological and psychiatric problems develop when rajas and tamas become active.
5. The ultimate achievement of the guna of goodness is a swift purification and transition to the transcendental level.
6. At this stage we can become free from the influence of all the gunas and achieve true freedom.
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