SWAMI SIVANANDA: The Wisdom of a Master

MIND MYSTERIES & CONTROL - 6. THE 3 QUALITIES OF MIND: Purity, Restlessness & Inertia - Sri Swami Sivananda - The Mind: Its Mysteries & Cont

Listen Later
THE MIND: ITS MYSTERIES AND CONTROL - 6. 3 QUALITIES OF MIND - Purity, Restlessness and Inertia - Sri Swami Sivananda - Complete Works with FULL English Translation of all Sanskrit Words.

Swami Sivananda’s Chapter 6, “The Three Qualities,” delves into the fundamental attributes of the mind—Sattva (Purity), Rajas (Restlessness), and Tamas (Inertia)—explaining their influence on thought patterns and behavior. These qualities, also known as Gunas, are the building blocks of the mind and dictate the nature of mental activity, inclinations, and tendencies. Understanding these qualities is pivotal in gaining mastery over the mind and progressing on the spiritual path.
Qualities and Thought Waves
The mind, governed by the interplay of the three Gunas, produces corresponding thought waves:
  1. Sattva (Purity): Gives rise to thoughts of peace, calmness, and spiritual aspiration.
  2. Rajas (Restlessness): Manifests as terror, agitation, and desire-driven activities.
  3. Tamas (Inertia): Leads to ignorance, delusion, laziness, and carelessness.
These thought waves determine the mind’s stability and its ability to align with higher spiritual truths. Sivananda emphasizes that the dominance of Sattva leads to inner peace and harmony, while Rajas and Tamas pull the individual toward worldly entanglements and ignorance.
Characteristics of Sattva (Purity)
Sattva represents light, illumination, and purity. It is the force that uplifts and liberates. A mind dominated by Sattva is characterized by:
  • Steadiness: A pure mind remains calm, stable, and focused.
  • Inner Delight: Such a mind finds joy within and does not seek external stimulation.
  • Consistency: It forms lasting friendships, sticks to virtuous habits, and engages in sustained spiritual practice.
  • Contentment with Simplicity: Sattvic individuals are satisfied with simple, wholesome food and a minimalistic lifestyle.
  • Creativity and Inspiration: During moments of Sattva, the mind becomes a conduit for divine inspiration, producing poetry, art, or profound insights.
In its purest state, the Sattvic mind reflects the divine source, akin to a clean mirror reflecting the truth. This state of inner illumination fosters Brahmavichara, the inquiry into Brahman—the ultimate reality. A Sattvic mind naturally discerns between the real and the unreal, leading the seeker toward liberation.
Characteristics of Rajas (Restlessness)
Rajas is the force of dynamism, passion, and activity. While it can drive progress, unchecked Rajas often leads to restlessness and entanglement in worldly desires. Key traits of a Rajasic mind include:
  • Desire for Variety: A restless mind constantly craves new experiences, relationships, and material possessions.
  • Attachment to Sensory Stimulation: Rajasic individuals seek external excitement and cannot remain idle or content.
  • Tendency to Criticize: Such minds often dwell on the flaws of others, fostering negativity and disrupting inner peace.
  • Fickle Relationships: Rajasic tendencies result in fleeting connections and a lack of deep, enduring bonds.
Sivananda advises countering Rajas through solitude, silence, and self-discipline. Avoiding unnecessary company and distractions is crucial for calming a restless mind. The mind must be trained to seek contentment within and refrain from perpetuating division and conflict. Interestingly, Sivananda highlights that intense restlessness can, when redirected, transform into spiritual zeal. For example, Ratnakar, a dacoit, became the sage Valmiki, illustrating how even Rajasic energy can propel an individual toward spiritual greatness when harnessed correctly.
Characteristics of Tamas (Inertia)
Tamas is the quality of ignorance, lethargy, and darkness. It is the force that drags the mind into stagnation and delusion. Traits of a Tamasic mind include:
  • Laziness and Procrastination: The inability to act or the tendency to postpone action.
  • Carelessness: A lack of mindfulness and attention to responsibilities.
  • Drowsiness and Delusion: A clouded perception of reality and a tendency to dwell in ignorance.
Tamasic thoughts inhibit spiritual growth and entrench the individual deeper into the cycle of Samsara (birth and rebirth). Overcoming Tamas requires deliberate effort, such as engaging in selfless service, cultivating discipline, and practicing spiritual exercises that awaken and purify the mind.
Importance of Sattva (Purity)
Sivananda underscores the centrality of Sattva in achieving lasting peace and spiritual progress. True peace arises not from external circumstances but from a controlled and purified mind. Developing Sattva involves:
  • Chanting Mantras: Repeating divine names or sacred phrases to elevate the mind.
  • Self-Inquiry: Contemplating one’s true nature to dispel ignorance.
  • Company of the Wise: Associating with spiritual teachers and noble individuals.
  • Meditation: Quieting the mind to connect with the higher self.
  • Simple Living: Consuming light, wholesome food and embracing austerity.
Through these practices, one can curb the tendencies of Rajas and Tamas, paving the way for spiritual illumination. A Sattvic mind becomes a vessel for pure thoughts and a steady will, both of which are essential for self-realization.
The Journey Toward Spiritual Realization
Sivananda emphasizes that the ultimate aim of spiritual practice is to develop Purity (Sattva) to such an extent that it leads to the removal of ignorance and the realization of one’s true nature as Sat-Chit-Ananda (Existence-Consciousness-Bliss).
  • Sattva as the Gateway: Only a Sattvic mind can discern higher truths and maintain the focus required for spiritual inquiry.
  • Balancing the Gunas: While Sattva is desirable, even it must eventually be transcended to attain the non-dual state of Brahman, which is beyond all Gunas.
  • Practical Discipline: Persistent effort in controlling thoughts and desires is essential. Spiritual practices help purify the mind, making it a suitable instrument for divine realization.

Holistic Virtue Development
Sivananda points out that spiritual aspirants must cultivate all virtues, not just isolated qualities like patience or generosity. The goal is to develop the whole mind, transforming it into a reservoir of Sattvic attributes. This comprehensive purity is what leads to the ultimate experience of Supreme Existence-Consciousness-Bliss.
In Chapter 6 of The Mind: Its Mysteries and Control, Swami Sivananda provides a profound exploration of the mind’s three qualities—Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas—and their impact on human thought and behavior. By understanding and balancing these Gunas, individuals can overcome ignorance, transcend worldly entanglements, and progress toward spiritual liberation. The teachings in this chapter serve as a guide for mastering the mind, emphasizing that the journey to self-realization begins with cultivating purity (Sattva) while gradually transcending all mental modifications. This path of discipline, self-inquiry, and divine connection leads to the ultimate goal of unity with Brahman, the supreme reality.  

#SwamiSivananda #MindControl #Brahmavichara #SpiritualAwakening #Sattva #PurityOfMind #Rajas #Restlessness #Tamas #Inertia #Mindfulness #SelfInquiry #Meditation #SpiritualGrowth #InnerPeace #MentalClarity #SelfRealization #Yoga #DivineTruth #SattvicLiving #PathToLiberation
...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store
SWAMI SIVANANDA: The Wisdom of a MasterBy Sri Swami Sivananda