As long as the mind of a man is ... his sense-organs of perception and action.
This statement delves into the concept of Gunas in Hindu
philosophy, which are qualities or tendencies that influence human behavior and
consciousness. The three Gunas are Sattva (purity, harmony), Rajas (activity,
passion), and Tamas (inertia, darkness). According to this idea, the state of
one's mind, influenced by these Gunas, determines the nature of their actions
and their consequences.
When the mind is predominantly under the influence of
Sattva, characterized by purity and harmony, the individual tends to engage in
virtuous actions, leading to merit or positive outcomes. Conversely, when the
mind is dominated by Rajas, characterized by activity and passion, actions may
be driven by desires and ego, leading to both positive and negative outcomes,
depending on the intentions and consequences. Similarly, when the mind is
dominated by Tamas, characterized by inertia and darkness, actions may be
rooted in ignorance and laziness, often leading to negative outcomes or sin.
In essence, this statement highlights the intricate
relationship between the state of one's mind, the qualities that dominate it,
and the resultant actions, which can lead to either merit or sin based on the
prevailing influences of Sattva, Rajas, or Tamas. It underscores the importance
of understanding and cultivating a balanced and harmonious state of mind to
engage in virtuous actions and lead a fulfilling life.
----
If the mind is attached to the objects of senses ...takes the Jiva to eternal happiness (moksha – liberation).
This statement reflects a key concept in various Indian
philosophical traditions, particularly in schools of thought like Vedanta and
Yoga. Let's break it down a bit:
Mind's Attachment to Senses and Objects: The
"mind" here refers to the individual's consciousness or awareness,
which is constantly interacting with the external world through the senses
(sight, hearing, touch, taste, smell). When the mind becomes attached to the
objects perceived by the senses, it leads to desires, cravings, and aversions.
These desires and aversions, in turn, bind the individual to the cycle of
suffering and rebirth known as "samsara."
Products of Gunas: In Hindu philosophy, particularly within
the Samkhya and Yoga traditions, everything in the universe is believed to be
made up of three fundamental qualities or "gunas": Sattva (purity,
harmony), Rajas (activity, passion), and Tamas (inertia, darkness). The objects
of the senses are considered products of these gunas, and they influence the
mind accordingly. For example, objects dominated by Rajas may stimulate desire
and activity, while those dominated by Tamas may induce lethargy or ignorance.
Misery (Samsara) vs. Happiness (Moksha): Samsara refers to
the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth that individuals experience as a result
of their actions (karma) driven by desires and attachments. It is characterized
by suffering, impermanence, and the continual pursuit of fulfillment through
worldly experiences. Moksha, on the other hand, is liberation from this cycle.
It is the state of eternal happiness, peace, and freedom from suffering.
Achieving moksha is the ultimate goal of spiritual practice in many Indian
philosophical systems.
Freedom and Detachment: The key to attaining moksha lies in
freeing the mind from attachment to the transient pleasures and pains of the
world. By cultivating detachment (vairagya) and dispassion towards sensory
objects and experiences, individuals can transcend the limitations of the
material world and realize their true nature, which is said to be pure
consciousness or divine.
In essence, the statement emphasizes the importance of
mastering the mind and cultivating detachment from worldly attachments as a
means to transcend suffering and attain lasting happiness and liberation.