Value: Cleanliness & Purity- June 2025
Second Week: Cultivating Purity - samskara
According to the scriptures on Vedanta philosophy, every soul is unique due to the latent impressions that shape it during conception in a specific womb, leading to a birth that occurs in a chosen environment and upbringing.
Samskara:भावनाख्यस्तु संस्कारः जीववृत्तिरतीन्द्रियः - refers to the deep-rooted impressions that reside within the soul and are imperceptible to the senses. Although vasanas are also impressions like samskaras, the latter guides the soul towards emancipation.
In Hindu culture, individuals are introduced to certain samskaras through teachings and rituals, which foster purity and instill a sense of responsibility. A person with samskara is considered eligible for spiritual study and practice, resulting in moksha.
Redefine the purpose of the action
"None can remain without action," states the Bhagavad Gita. Actions arise from the thoughts generated by vasanas. If someone seeks freedom or moksha, they must manage the compulsive actions driven by these vasanas, as they lead to repetitive behaviors that bind the soul to the world.
The solution is to shift the purpose of action from fulfilling desires to fulfilling duties. A person who has developed samskaras through guidance from the wise and self-study can observe the compulsive actions that emerge from vasanas and can transform them into intentional choices and perform them as duties, rather than allowing them to become mindless, repetitive actions for self-gratification.
Be mindful of your thoughts as they drive your actions. Immediately question: Is this desire for instant gratification, or does it relate to my current responsibilities? Make your choice with care. For instance, when eating your daily meals, ask yourself: Am I eating to satisfy my taste buds or to nourish my body? When engaging in conversations, reflect: Am I trying to impress the other person with what I know, or am I primarily sharing knowledge to learn what I do not?
Purify the attitude
Arjuna exemplifies a type 'R' personality, characterized as Rajasic. Individuals with this personality type often experience anxiety due to their aspirations to conquer, win, and showcase their abilities. In contrast, a type 'T' personality, known as Tamasic, avoids challenges yet enjoys the benefits of success.
Lord Krishna, who stands beside Arjuna, advises him to engage in the righteous battle without becoming anxious about the outcomes. His guidance is to "Act without Rajas," encouraging Arjuna to move towards a type 'S' personality, which is Sattvic. This type acts with enthusiasm but remains free from anxiety regarding results.
The Bhagavad Gita does not advocate changing one's work but rather emphasizes a shift in attitude. Transitioning from a type 'T' to a type 'R' personality necessitates a clear vision of the ultimate goal of human life. This goal motivates individuals to take action. Once the goal is established, one can gradually evolve into a type 'S' personality, making them open to higher knowledge and spiritual practices.
