The bougainvillea is an interesting class of plants. When watered well, they do not bloom – instead, they remain green. However, when deprived of water and exposed to the rigours of a harsh summer, they assume diverse and spectacular colours that make them stand out.
Similarly, it is when faced with adversity that the true qualities in a man are revealed!
The wise classify qualities (gunas) into three buckets – tamasic, rajasic and sattvic. Based on which of these qualities is dominant in a man at the time, his response to adversity is also typically one among the following three broad types:
- Give up / give in (tamasic)
- Struggle (i.e., rely on one’s ego) (rajasic)
- Surrender to God; rely on / take shelter in Him (sattvic)
It would be wrong to say any of these is an easier option than the other two, though one may be more common and another rare to find. Which is easy depends on the person’s own disposition. For example, for a person who has the struggle in his nature, it is not just difficult, but impossible to give up without a fight.
To the ignorant, the difference between the first and third options might not be clear, just as a human eye which cannot see either infra-red or ultra-violet light cannot distinguish between the two that actually lie on either side of the visible spectrum. The first response is based on ignorance and leads to bondage and more ignorance. The rajasic response comes from an addiction to action, and can only maintain a temporary status quo while causing much suffering. Under overwhelming stress, it makes way for tamasic or sattvic alternatives in the course of time depending, again, on the person’s nature. The sattvic response is inspired by wisdom, and is the one that can lead to liberation from the influence of the gunas.
Spread the love
12 - 12Shares
Nice, nice! What is the source of such wisdom?
Thanks! Indian's spiritual tradition is an infinite source of wisdom 🙂