Meditation: Inquiry into the Self by James Swartz

Author:James Swartz [Swartz, James]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: UNKNOWN
Published: 2017-12-02T06:00:00+00:00

70. Pronounced “goon-uhs.”

71. Maya, the non-apprehension of the Self. Rajas

To make a pot, clay, an idea in the potter’s mind and the energy to shape the clay are necessary. Sattva supplies the idea behind the creation, tamas the physical substance, and rajas72 the energy needed to mold it. Atomic power, thermodynamics, volcanic activity, the movement of the seas and winds, the physiological and nervous systems and the power to move the mind and emotions are caused by rajas. Wherever there is activity, rajas is at work. The five physiological systems and the five active organs evolve from rajas.

Psychologically, rajas whips the mind into frenzied waves like a strong wind, distorting perception and knowledge. Highly prized by goal-oriented persons, coffee-drinkers especially, for its power to temporarily activate the mind, rajasic projections nonetheless reverberate in the subtle body, creating confusion, eventually delusion and ultimately loss of discrimination.

Rajas, the “projecting power,” is called the “mode of passion.” The conviction that active pursuit of one’s goals is the wisest way to deal with uncomfortable feelings of incompleteness and inadequacy is caused by rajas. Because of its fiery nature, rajas purifies the water elements from the subtle and physical bodies, producing feelings of thirst and attachment. Those suffering from excess rajas tend to be emotionally needy and mentally distressed, forced into a life of unceasing activity in an attempt to possess and acquire what is yet to be gained and to protect and insure what has.Rajas creates continual static in the mind, which efficiently drains energy, producing dullness.

In spite of motivational benefits, a mind dominated by rajas is a powerful enemy because its intense projections – greed, aggression, desire, restlessness, anxiety and longing – obscure the shining of the Self, the true source of peace and happiness. Extroverted rajasic people are continually embroiled in conflict because this guna forces them to project subconscious content on the world around. As a result they suffer problematic relationships, have little contact with their true feelings and lack Self-knowledge.

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