THE THREE GUNAS OR QUALITIES

 

                                                                     
Number three has a great significance in spirituality and philosophy. We have the Three Murthies—Brahma, Vishnu, and Maheswara, Trikala-present, past and future, Trisandhya-early morning, afternoon and evening, and Tri Guna—Sathwa, Rajas and Thamas. Lord Krishna tells Arjuna in the Gita that every word, action and thought is influenced by the three Gunas  inherent in the individual. It is the predominance of one of the  Gunas, sathwa, Rajas or Thamas that transforms a person into a good or violent or lazy individual. Even the intellect is affected by these innate qualities . Sathwik person is one who follows and acts according to the dictates of the Vedas and Sasthras. A Rajasika  doubts the Vedas and challenges them. A Thamasik person mistakes Dharma for Adharma and Adharma for Dharma. Lord Krishna points out that Happiness is also affected by these three qualities namely Satwa, Rajasa and Thamasa.
         Sathwik  happiness  is that in which the Mind merges with Paramatma through control of sensory organs. For a Rajasik,  Happiness is first and misery next. For a Thamasik it is sorrow at the beginning and the end. One has to rise above these three Gunas or qualities to be eligible for salvation. A  small story for illustration. A man traveling through a forest was abducted by a band of three robbers. He was relieved of all his possessions. The first robber felt  that  the man should be killed and drew his sword to kill him. The second robber stopped him and suggested that the man be bound hand and feet and left at the place! The robbers walked for some distance when the third robber returned. He enquired if the man is hurt, showered compassion on him, untied the knots and released him. He did not stop at that. He asked the man to follow him and promised to show the road! They walked together for a distance when the road was reached. The robber pointed to the house at a distance and directed the man to follow the road to reach his home! The man thanked the robber for his compassion and service. He invited the kind robber to his home but he declined the offer and said that the police will find him!
           All the three are burglers intent on plundering! But their reaction to the person varies! One wants to kill, another becomes a good Samaritan and the third becomes a guide to show the path! What is the significance and symbolism in this anecdote? Why do the thieves, each one of them, behave differently? The forest represents the world! The three robbers are the three Gunas natural to all human beings—Satwa, Rajas and Thamas! The traveler is Jiva the individual soul His treasure, robbed by the thieves ,is Self Knowledge! Thamasa quality binds him with the fetters of the world while Sathwa protects him from the action of Rajasa and Thamasa!
        &nbs p; By taking refuge in Sathwa the Jiva is freed from lust, anger and delusion that charactarize  Thamasa quality! Thus  Satwa Guna  liberates the Jiva from the bondage of the wold! But Sathwa Guna is also a thief or robber! Its duty is only to lead the person to the path of the Supreme Abode and  disappear! Even Sathwa Guna cannot enter  the abode of the Absolute! It is thus the paramount duty of every individual to cultivate Sathwa Guna or at least associate himself with such people to realize spiritual Bliss and salvation!!