Courage counters the mode of darkness. When in trouble, seek help; don’t panic. There’s always a way out, says AJIT KUMAR BISHNOI
There are three modes, which constitute the material nature. (Bhagavad Gita chapter 14) These are sattvaguna (goodness), rajoguna (passion), and tamoguna (darkness). Our individual natures are also combinations of these three gunas only. These modes compete with one another for supremacy. (14.10) When tamoguna gains ascendency in us, we are in serious trouble because the following may manifest.
The most common malady is depression. I don’t have the statistics with me but I have a distinct impression that a very good percentage of our populace suffers from depression occasionally, and some from clinical depression too. The next trouble is probably worse; one suffers from foolishness. In this mood, many even commit suicide. What could be more foolish than this when the most dear possession is destroyedIJ
The third manifestation is delusion. One has a false belief or opinion about self. Some persons, who have large following, begin to believe that they are God. This is the worst kind of delusion. Then, when the mode of darkness reigns, one becomes careless. One forgets the basics of safety and does things like driving while drunk.
There is lack of motivation towards duty. For example, a guard goes to sleep while on duty. Not only does he endanger the property of his employer but also puts his own life at risk. Awareness of such persons becomes very limited; they cannot see far ahead. They are driven by the current inputs only and commit big mistakes. In such consciousness, it becomes difficult to concentrate and one has difficulty in understanding things.
Afflicted by tamoguna, one builds false hopes, which cannot be fulfilled with the available resources. When such hopes are not realised, one laments. Such persons may become envious and act violently towards others. Overall, there is lack of illumination.
Therefore, it is critical that we watch ourselves so we don’t allow the mode of darkness to gain ascendency. The following will help greatly. The very first thing we must never do is to feel that we are being singled out for poor treatment. The authorities concerned (read divine authorities or material nature) have nothing against us personally. They just do their job as assigned to them by God. There is a perfect system in place under the superintendence of God, which is the karmaphala principle.
The next thing to remember is that everything can never be okay for anyone. The nature of the material world is such. We have to live with certain problems/difficulties. No one is exempt from this. Sooner we accept this reality, we will avoid falling into the mode of darkness. Those who have faith in God escape negative mindset, which contributes heavily to the rise of tamoguna.
Then, there is a reality of temporariness of suffering, though a big percentage of us may feel that our problems are everlasting. like good times, whose departure saddens us, bad times also leave us. Unfortunately, we exaggerate our difficulties, which makes it more difficult to deal with them. Yes, it is good to be sensitive but it becomes counterproductive when we are too sensitive.
Then, we give up in our minds far too easily. This is when tamoguna really flares up. We should never do this because as souls we are never condemned. We always get chances to redeem ourselves. Courage counters the mode of darkness. When in trouble, seek help; don’t panic. There is always a way out. Hope must never be given up. Hopelessness enhances tamoguna. Therefore, let us be determined to not let the mode of darkness prevail in us. Rather we should think of transcending all three modes.
Bishnoi is a spiritual writer and can be reached at spiritual@ajitbishnoi.com