Are we Demods contd.-chapter 16 gita

Satva Samshuddih:Purity of mind.

The next guna which Bhagavan attributes to Divine nature is purity of mind. Shri Emperumaanaar explains this as “satvasya anthah karanasya rajah tamobhyaam Asamsprishtvam “. This means that Purity of mind is a state where in the internal organ (manas) is untouched by Rajo guna and Tamo Guna. In Vedanta these Gunas are known as “Adravya” or non substance. Non substance is that which is devoid of any conjunction . Conjunction causes the knowledge of external relation of a substance. There are ten non-substances like sound, taste, touch etc. the three material natures namely Sattva, rajas and tamas also belong to the category of non-substances. When Prakriti is evolved out of “Mahat” these three qualities pervade the Prakriti in varying proportions. The Jeevatma is not conjoined with these gunas in its pristine form but is binded by these gunas because of association with the body.
Ramanuja further explains that Sattva illuminates on account of its pure nature. Purity means that it is bereft of qualities that veil light (knowlwdge) and happiness(Sukha) . Rajo guna induces Passion and Tamas induces ignorance and deceitful acts. Though Sattva nature is good this is not the “Suddha Sattva “ present in Sri Vaikunta and hence within the sphere of Prakriti it may cause bondage to knowledge and happiness. What is important to understand is that these Gunas will be present in each individual and their proportions change from time to time and person to person. No person can have absolutely just one among them without other two. Bhagavan warns Arjun that “Rajastu Phalam Dhukkam “ and “ ajnayanam tamasah phalam” – the fruit of rajas is pain and tamas is ignorance.
Why should we try to reduce tamas and rajas? Bhagavan answers- “satvaat sanjaayathe jnayanam” – only Sattva increases knowledge of the self and as such is useful for liberation. Ramanuja explains that a seer should first subdue rajas and tamas and should try to increase Sattva guna. Then to remove the bondage caused by Sattva he needs to do “Kartrva buddhi “ tyagam and karma phala tyagam. This will ensure that the seer will rise steadfast towards liberation. Since liberation gives greatest sukha-“anandam” we should follow the path as prescribed by Gitaacharyan.
How do we cultivate purity of mind?

The path as prescribed by Ramanuja for developing purity of mind is as follows
1. Viveka- discrimination between right and wrong and following the right
2. Vimokha- resisting sensual pleasures
3. Abhasyam-practice of discliplines like japa, aradhana , temple visit etc.
4. Kriya-performance of five fold duties of life as prescribed.
5. kalyana- practice of right virtues
6. Anavasaadha- freedom from pessimistic view and depression and maintaining a cheerful attitude.
7. Anuddharsa- maintaining calm without yielding excessively to excitement, despair etc.

Thus by practicing these , we can also can develop purity of mind.