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The lighted path to bliss

CHENNAI: Despite the glitter that makes worldly existence attractive to many, its misery and sorrow also prompt the human soul to long for relief from this endless stream of instability. The choice to seek release from bondage is available to human beings alone who manifest a blend of the higher and lower natures.

The mystical yet inspiring discussions in the Bhagavad Gita on the unique aspects of human nature caused by the embodiment of the immortal soul in human form, highlight the essential truths that can dispel ignorance, said Swamini Satyavratananda in a lecture. Lord Krishna elaborates on the significant role of the three Gunas — Satva, Rajas and Tamas — to emphasise their crucial and influential role in the lives of individuals.

Satva Guna is the basis of Satvic nature and is responsible for noble thoughts and happy disposition in individuals. The predominance of Rajo Guna makes people greedy leaving them disappointed and sad, while Tamo Guna is the cause of delusion in people who remain confused, ignorant and restless. Since neither Rajas nor Tamas is beneficial for the elevation of the soul, Satva Guna is to be cultivated for peaceful life on earth leading to salvation.

This is possible only with the knowledge of the subtle interdependence between the Supreme Being and the universe that is paralleled in the relationship between the individual soul and one's human form. The eternal Brahman is the cause of all existence and is manifest in the cosmos/universe inclusive of all aspects of creation. This infinite Being resides in the human form as well as the immortal soul and is the force that activates the body mind complex. All embodied entities of creation depend on the Supreme Being for their existence and sustenance. They are significant inasmuch as they indicate the presence of the Supreme Being. In a similar fashion, the body merely manifests the soul's presence while it is the soul that gives life to the body. Without the soul the body cannot exist. A clear perception of the distinction between the divine and the material aspects of creation even in their apparent union leads to peace.

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