What Are The Gunas & Why Do They Matter?
Sri Krishna: “The wise one, even though in the body is not of it, awakened from dream. But the foolish one, even though not in the body, is yet of it like one seeing a dream. A wise one knows it is only Gunas that perceive Gunas and are not affected by this phenomena.”
This quote encapsulates the profound philosophical concepts from Hinduism, specifically relating to the Bhagavad Gita, where Lord Krishna imparts spiritual wisdom to Arjuna on the battlefield of Kurukshetra.
To fully understand the depth of these teachings, let’s explore the key concepts mentioned: the Gunas, the nature of the self, and the distinction between the wise and the foolish as described by Krishna.
Gunas
The term “Gunas” refers to the three fundamental qualities or tendencies that are present in all beings and matter in The Universe. These are:
Sattva (Goodness, Constructiveness, Harmony): Represents light, wisdom, and harmony. A person dominated by Sattva is calm, alert, and knowledgeable. Sattva is considered the highest quality because it is pure and illuminating.
Rajas (Passion, Activity, Dynamism): Symbolizes energy, action, change, and movement. A Rajasic person is full of desires and ambitions, constantly active and seeking satisfaction in external objects.
Tamas (Darkness, Inertia, Ignorance): Denotes darkness, ignorance, laziness, and confusion. A Tamasic individual might be lethargic, apathetic, and prone to destructive behaviors.
“The wise one, even though in the body is not of it, awakened from dream…”
This statement highlights the idea of detachment and true wisdom. According to Krishna’s teachings, a wise person, although living within the physical body, doesn’t identify themselves with it. They are “awakened” from the illusion (Maya) that the material world and the physical body are the ultimate reality. Instead, they recognize their true self as Atman (soul) which is eternal and beyond the physical.
“…the foolish one, even though not in the body, is yet of it like one seeing a dream.”
Conversely, a foolish person might not actively identify with their body or material possessions but is still deeply attached to them at the level of mind and desires, similar to how one experiences a dream. They are caught in the illusion, mistaking the temporary for the eternal, the unreal for the real.
“A wise one knows it is only Gunas that perceive Gunas and not affected by this phenomena.”
This profound statement delves into the nature of perception and the self. It suggests that the interactions and perceptions in the material world are the results of the interplay between the Gunas within us and those in the external world. A wise person understands that their true self (Atman) is beyond these Gunas and remains unaffected by this interplay. This realization leads to a state of detachment and equanimity, allowing one to rise above the dualities and fluctuations of life.
In summary, these teachings emphasize the importance of understanding the nature of the self, the impermanence of the physical world, and the role of the Gunas in our perceptions and actions. Recognizing that the true self is beyond these qualities and phenomena is key to achieving spiritual wisdom and liberation (Moksha) as taught by Sri Krishna in the Bhagavad Gita.
If you are dedicated and devoted to The Divine, why would the gunas, most notably Rajas and Tamas, be interacting with the external world at all?
“A wise one knows it is only Gunas that perceive Gunas and not affected by this phenomena.”
This profound statement delves into the nature of perception and the self. It suggests that the interactions and perceptions in the material world are the results of the interplay between the Gunas within us and those in the external world. A wise person understands that their true self (Atman) is beyond these Gunas and remains unaffected by this interplay. This realization leads to a state of detachment and equanimity, allowing one to rise above the dualities and fluctuations of life.”
Embracing the teachings of Amma and Advaita Vedanta in your life, while understanding the interplay of Gunas, can be profoundly transformative.
Advaita Vedanta teaches the non-dualistic philosophy that the individual soul (Atman) and the universal soul (Brahman) are one and the same, and that the perception of duality is a result of ignorance (Avidya).
Understanding the Role of Gunas
Even as a devoted follower of Advaita Vedanta, living in the world means you are inevitably interacting with the Gunas. The Gunas are not just qualities of the mind but are fundamental to Prakriti (nature or the material world), and thus, they affect all aspects of our lives, including our physical bodies, mental states, and emotions.
Rajas and Tamas are particularly challenging because they represent activity, passion, desire, and inertia, ignorance, and darkness, respectively. These qualities are essential aspects of human experience and the world around us.
Why Interact with Rajas and Tamas?
For Growth and Evolution: Interacting with Rajas allows for the pursuit of Dharma (righteous living), Artha (material prosperity), and Kama (desire). These are considered necessary pursuits in life before one can truly seek Moksha (liberation). Rajasic activities, when performed with a sense of duty and without attachment to outcomes, can lead to spiritual growth.
As a Part of the World: Tamas is present as inertia and ignorance. While too much Tamas leads to lethargy and confusion, a balanced amount is necessary for rest and relaxation. The key is to avoid the excesses of Tamas and use it constructively.
Rising Above the Gunas
The teaching that “it is only Gunas that perceive Gunas” points towards the practice of witnessing or Sakshi Bhava—a state of being a detached observer of one’s own mind and emotions. Here’s how you might integrate this understanding into your life:
Practice Detachment: Engage in the world, fulfill your duties, but do so with detachment from the outcomes. This is the essence of Karma Yoga as taught in the Bhagavad Gita. Performing actions without attachment to results helps in reducing the impact of Rajas and Tamas.
Cultivate Sattva: While all Gunas are present, by cultivating Sattva (through practices like meditation, satsang, and a sattvic diet), you reduce the dominance of Rajas and Tamas. A sattvic state of mind is more conducive to realizing the non-dual nature of reality.
Witness Consciousness: Practice observing your thoughts, emotions, and actions as a witness. This practice helps you realize that you are not your mind or body but the Atman, which is beyond all Gunas.
Spiritual Discipline: Regular spiritual practices (Sadhana) as guided by Amma and the principles of Advaita Vedanta can deepen your understanding and experience of non-duality, helping to transcend the Gunas.
In real life, embracing these teachings means understanding the play of the Gunas without being controlled by them. It involves recognizing that while we may act in the world of duality, our true nature remains untouched by it. This realization fosters inner peace, equanimity, and ultimately, the experience of Oneness with all that is.
The idea that pursuing Dharma (righteous living), Artha (material prosperity), and Kama (desire) can coexist with the ultimate pursuit of Moksha (liberation) might seem contradictory at first glance.
However, in the context of Hindu philosophy and specifically within the framework of Advaita Vedanta and teachings like those of the Bhagavad Gita, there is a nuanced understanding of how these pursuits integrate with the path to liberation.
The key lies in the manner and consciousness with which one engages in these pursuits. Let’s explore some real-life examples to clarify this:
1. Entrepreneurship with Ethical Principles
Imagine you’re an entrepreneur driven by a vision to solve real-world problems through innovative products or services. Your pursuit of Artha (material prosperity) is guided by Dharma (righteous living). You ensure your business practices are ethical, your products are sustainable, and you treat your employees fairly.
Spiritual Growth: By engaging in your business with integrity and a sense of service to society, you detach from personal greed (reducing attachment to Rajas) and focus on contributing positively to the world. This alignment with Dharma, even in material pursuits, becomes a part of your spiritual journey, subtly steering you toward the realization of the self beyond the ego and material success.
2. Pursuing Passions and Hobbies
Engaging in activities you are passionate about, whether it’s art, music, gardening, or any other hobby, often involves a desire to achieve (Rajas). However, when these activities are pursued for the joy they bring, without attachment to recognition or rewards, they can enhance your quality of life and well-being.
Spiritual Growth: Such activities, when performed as a form of self-expression or for the sheer joy of it, can become meditative and a way of practicing mindfulness. This detachment from outcomes fosters inner peace and happiness, qualities that are conducive to spiritual growth and the eventual pursuit of Moksha.
3. Philanthropy and Service
Engaging in philanthropy or service involves utilizing your resources (Artha) and abilities (often driven by a passion or desire, Rajas) to help others. Whether it’s through donating money, volunteering your time, or using your skills to benefit a cause, these actions are rooted in the material world yet have a profound spiritual dimension.
Spiritual Growth: Service to others, especially when done selflessly, can significantly reduce ego-centric perspectives, fostering a sense of unity and compassion. This selfless service is a form of Karma Yoga, which is a direct path to realizing the oneness of the self with all beings, leading towards Moksha.
How Can These Lead to Liberation?
The pursuit of material prosperity and desires, when done within the framework of Dharma and with detachment from the ego and outcomes, serves as a foundation for spiritual growth. It’s about living in the world but not being of it. This concept is beautifully encapsulated in the Bhagavad Gita’s teaching of Nishkama Karma—action without attachment to outcomes.
Integration for Liberation: Engaging in the world with awareness and a sense of duty, rather than for selfish gain, gradually purifies the mind, reducing the dominance of Rajas and Tamas. This purification process makes the mind a suitable instrument for self-inquiry, leading to the realization of Atman (the self) and Brahman (universal consciousness) as one, which is the essence of Moksha in Advaita Vedanta.
By understanding that true liberation is not about renouncing the world but realizing the transcendental truth beyond it while engaging with it, one can navigate the pursuit of Dharma, Artha, and Kama in a way that ultimately guides towards Moksha.
Dancing With The Gunas
It is as if we are dancing with Rajas and Tamas and using their essence to arrive at a specific destination – but along the way, we are never attaching to them within this dance.
Instead, we are more of a divine ghost, whereby we release our self-identities and related attachments, and we allow our Antaryaman to rule the momentum and direction.
This analogy beautifully captures the essence of how one might navigate the interplay of Rajas and Tamas on the spiritual path, particularly from the perspective of Advaita Vedanta and the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita.
The idea of dancing with Rajas and Tamas, using their essence but not attaching to them, aligns with the concept of living in the world but not being of it.
Here’s a deeper look into this analogy:
Dancing with Rajas and Tamas
Rajas (Passion and Activity): In the dance of life, Rajas propels us forward, motivating us to act, pursue goals, and fulfill our duties. It is the energy behind movement, creativity, and change. Yet, in this dance, the key is to engage with this energy without becoming entangled in desires for personal gain or becoming overly identified with our roles and achievements.
Tamas (Inertia and Ignorance): Tamas provides the contrast, the moments of rest, reflection, and grounding. It is necessary for regeneration and rest. However, the challenge lies in not letting Tamas lead us into lethargy, ignorance, or attachment to comfort and security.
Not Attaching to the Dance
The spiritual journey involves engaging with the energies of Rajas and Tamas but maintaining a level of detachment—like a “divine ghost” you mentioned, which symbolizes a being that moves through the world untouched by its illusions and attachments. This detachment doesn’t mean apathy or withdrawal from life; rather, it signifies a profound engagement with life from a place of inner freedom and awareness.
Allowing the Antaryamin to Lead
Antaryamin (Inner Ruler): In Hindu philosophy, Antaryamin refers to the inner self or the indwelling presence of the Divine in every being. Allowing Antaryamin to rule the momentum and direction of our lives means surrendering the ego’s control, acknowledging a higher wisdom guiding our actions and choices.
This surrender is not passive but a conscious alignment of our will with the divine will, leading to actions that are harmonious with the universal laws and conducive to our spiritual growth. It involves listening deeply to our inner guidance, intuition, and the wisdom of our true self.
The Ultimate Destination
The destination of this dance is the realization of our true nature—Atman, the inner self that is one with Brahman, the ultimate reality. This journey towards self-realization involves transcending the dualities represented by Rajas and Tamas, recognizing our non-dual essence beyond these qualities. In this state, we experience profound peace, joy, and unity with all existence.
In summary, your analogy encapsulates the spiritual journey as an artful navigation through life’s dualities, guided by an inner divine presence, toward the realization of our true, non-dual nature. It’s a journey of transformation where we use the very fabric of life’s experiences as a means to awaken to the truth of who we are, beyond all identities and attachments.
And, my heavens, The Shankara Oracle can be tremendously helpful in this life, helping to release us of all the false notions embedded in our families, cultures, societies, and personal temporary identities.
Author: Shri Krishna Kalesh
Shri Krishna Kalesh is a mystic who guides people as a Spiritual Guide, Intuitive Reader, Dharma Teacher, and Coach. He has served thousands of people toward their healing and expansion - through personal sessions, mystical readings, courses, and retreats. His mission is to help others source their own boundless creative genius and joy, embody virtue, find clarity, and master their lives. Shri Krishna Kalesh created The Shankara Oracle as a divine portal to The Unlimited, All-Knowing, All-Conscious Universe.