THE MIND: ITS MYSTERIES AND CONTROL - 22. ATTRACTION & REPULSION - RAGA & DVESHA - Sri Swami Sivananda - The Mind: Its Mysteries and Control - HQ Full Book.

Swami Sivananda's teachings in Chapter 22 of *The Mind: Its Mysteries and Control* delve deeply into the dual forces of **Raga (Attraction)** and **Dvesha (Repulsion)**, which he identifies as fundamental currents of the mind. These two opposing tendencies, along with indifference, are pivotal thought waves that bind human beings to the relentless cycle of Samsara—the wheel of birth, death, and rebirth. Swami Sivananda expounds on their origin, nature, effects, and methods to transcend their influence to attain peace, freedom, and self-realization. 

Attraction and Repulsion: The Cause of Bondage  
The mind, according to Swami Sivananda, is trapped by the twin forces of attraction and repulsion, which he describes as "the essential nature of bondage." These forces are not characteristics of the spirit but are deeply rooted in the nature of the mind. All emotions stem from these dual currents, which perpetuate cycles of pleasure and pain, happiness and sorrow. Attraction (Raga) towards what one desires and repulsion (Dvesha) from what one dislikes are responsible for the highs and lows of human experience.   The Bhagavad Gita aptly summarizes this concept, stating: “But the disciplined (lower) self, moving among sense-objects with senses free from attraction and repulsion and mastered by the Higher Self, goeth to peace.”   When these tendencies are eradicated from the mind, an individual can achieve a state where happiness and sorrow no longer affect them.

Selfish Love and Divine Love  
Swami Sivananda distinguishes between two kinds of love: selfish, physical love and divine, unselfish love. The former is rooted in attachment and dependence, causing bondage and suffering. In contrast, divine love is free from attachment and arises from a sense of oneness with all beings.   Physical love, born out of selfishness, creates "slave mentality" and weakens the will. It is transient and fraught with pain. Swami Sivananda advises cutting the ties of attachment with the sword of non-attachment to cultivate true divine love—a love that reflects the eternal and unchanging nature of the self.   This love arises when one sees the divine in others, recognizing them as an extension of oneself. A Vedantic aspirant or a true devotee is capable of this unselfish love. Attachment, Swami Sivananda warns, is as painful as repulsion, as both are bound to create suffering. For instance, attachment to a loved one can lead to immense sorrow when separated from them. Similarly, pleasure derived from material objects fosters attachment, which, in turn, causes pain when the object is unavailable.  

The Hidden Tormentors: Fear and Anger  
Fear and anger are subtle companions of attraction. When an individual is attached to something, fear of losing it arises. For example, attachment to wealth creates a fear of poverty, while attachment to loved ones creates a fear of separation or death. Anger, on the other hand, manifests when desires are thwarted or attachments are threatened.   Swami Sivananda explains that these emotions constantly agitate the mind, making peace and freedom unattainable. To overcome this cycle, one must root out attachment and repulsion, as they are the seeds from which fear, anger, and other negative emotions grow.

The Different States of Attraction and Repulsion  
Attraction and repulsion exist in four distinct states:
1. **Burnt Up:** In fully developed yogis, these tendencies are eradicated through advanced meditative absorption. They are like burnt seeds that can no longer sprout.
2. **Attenuated or Thinned Out:** In yogis who are still practicing, these tendencies exist in a weakened form and are under control.
3. **Concealed:** In worldly individuals, these tendencies are dormant but surface under specific conditions.
4. **Fully Expanded:** In the unenlightened, these tendencies are active and drive thoughts, emotions, and actions.   For the spiritually advanced, attraction and repulsion lose their grip on the mind. In contrast, worldly individuals are tossed between these two currents, leading to suffering and instability.  

The Root Causes of Attraction and Repulsion  
Swami Sivananda identifies several underlying causes for these mental tendencies:  
1. **Favorable and Unfavorable Knowledge:** People are attracted to what they perceive as favorable and repelled by what they deem unfavorable. When this dualistic perception ceases, attraction and repulsion also dissolve.
2. **Pride and Ego:** The sense of "I" and "mine" creates attachments to people and objects. For instance, identifying oneself as a husband creates attachment to one's wife. By eliminating pride and ego, one can transcend these dualities.   Even hatred and fear can bind the mind to a higher ideal, as exemplified by Ravana's intense focus on Lord Rama and Kamsa's obsessive thoughts about Krishna. Though negative, their minds were constantly fixed on the divine, illustrating how the mind can remain tethered to higher ideals, even through negative emotions.

Attraction and Repulsion as Real Action  
Attraction and repulsion set the mind into motion, forming the basis of all actions. External actions are merely manifestations of internal mental vibrations triggered by these tendencies. Desire acts as the motivating force behind these vibrations, coexisting with emotions and impulses.   Swami Sivananda outlines the chain of bondage as follows: - Ignorance leads to non-discrimination. - Non-discrimination gives rise to ego and pride. - Ego and pride generate attraction and repulsion. - These tendencies create actions. - Actions lead to the body. - The body becomes the seat of misery.   To break this chain, one must reverse the process by eliminating ignorance through the realization of Brahman—the Supreme Cosmic Spirit. This realization destroys pride, attraction, and repulsion, ultimately liberating the individual from the cycle of birth and death.  

Absence of Attraction and Repulsion: The Path to Freedom  
A sage or yogi who has conquered attraction and repulsion attains unparalleled freedom and peace. Such a person is not bound by dualities and experiences unbounded joy. Even if a sage exhibits anger, it is fleeting and superficial, disappearing like a mark drawn on water. This subtle distinction can be challenging for worldly individuals to comprehend.   Swami Sivananda emphasizes that freedom from attraction and repulsion is the hallmark of a liberated soul. Such individuals are masters of their minds, free to act without being influenced by external circumstances.

Destruction of Attraction and Repulsion: The Essence of Spiritual Practice  
Swami Sivananda concludes the chapter by highlighting the importance of overcoming these mental tendencies through self-inquiry, meditation, and contemplation of Brahman. By transcending the pairs of opposites, one can achieve eternal bliss and divine glory, merging with the Supreme Cosmic Spirit.   The process requires consistent effort and discipline. Attraction and repulsion are deeply ingrained in the mind, demanding persistent spiritual practice to eradicate. Swami Sivananda compares the mind to a rudderless ship, drifting aimlessly under the influence of these tendencies. To gain control, one must firmly grasp the rudder of right thinking and meditation, steering the mind toward liberation.

The teachings in Chapter 22 serve as a profound guide for those seeking to understand and master the mind. Swami Sivananda’s insights into the nature of attraction and repulsion reveal their role as the root causes of human suffering and bondage. By transcending these dualities, individuals can break free from the Samsaric cycle and attain eternal peace, joy, and freedom.   The ultimate message is clear: Through self-discipline, meditation, and the realization of Brahman, one can overcome the limitations of the mind and realize their true divine nature.  

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