रजस्तमश्चाभिभूय सत्त्वं भवति भारत | रज: सत्त्वं तमश्चैव तम: सत्त्वं रजस्तथा || 10 || |
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“Sometimes sattva prevails over rajas and tamas, O scion of Bharata; sometimes rajas dominates sattva and tamas, and at other times tamas overcomes sattva and rajas.”
Commentary The ever-changing nature of the three gunās, rajas, tamas, and sattva, creates a constant interplay within the human psyche. O scion of Bharat, sometimes sattva prevails over rajas and tamas, radiating its qualities of purity, clarity, and harmony. During these moments, individuals experience a sense of inner peace, heightened awareness, and a natural inclination towards virtuous actions. It is during such times that the mind becomes receptive to higher knowledge, spiritual insights, and self-realization.
However, the dynamic nature of the gunās means that their dominance is not fixed. There are instances when rajas, with its characteristics of passion, ambition, and restlessness, takes control over sattva and tamas. In such circumstances, the mind becomes engrossed in worldly desires, seeking external achievements and pleasures. The qualities of sattva, such as tranquility and spiritual pursuits, may be overshadowed by the energetic and ambitious nature of rajas.
Similarly, there are times when tamas, representing inertia, ignorance, and delusion, gains the upper hand, overpowering both sattva and rajas. During such periods, the mind becomes clouded with confusion, laziness, and a lack of clarity. The individual may find themselves trapped in negative patterns, succumbing to self-destructive behaviors and harmful influences. The fluctuations in the dominance of the gunās reflect the inherent duality of existence. Life unfolds in cycles, and everyone goes through various phases where one gunā may dominate over the others. These shifts can be influenced by external circumstances, internal states of mind, and the choices we make.
Understanding this dynamic interplay of the gunās is crucial for self-awareness and spiritual growth. It allows individuals to recognize the dominant gunā within themselves at any given moment and make conscious efforts to cultivate sattva. By nurturing sattva, one can strive for inner harmony, clarity of thought, and the pursuit of higher truths.
The teachings of Lord Krishna remind us that our journey towards self-realization involves transcending the fluctuations of the gunās and stabilizing ourselves in sattva. By doing so, we can attain a state of equanimity, where our actions are guided by wisdom and compassion. Through self-discipline, spiritual practices, and the cultivation of virtuous qualities, we can gradually harmonize the gunās within us and attain a state of balance and spiritual elevation.