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Chapter 14
Link:- In the next verse, the Lord describes the characteristic of Tamoguna (darkness attribute or the Principle of Inertia), and the way in which, it binds the spirit.
tamastvajiianajash viddhi mohanarh sarvadehinam
pramadalasyanidrabhistannibadhnati bharata
But, know Tamasa (mode of darkness or ignorance) born of ignorance, deludes all embodied beings. It binds the spirit, O Bharata, through inattention, indolence and sleep.8
Comment:-
Tamastvajnanajarit viddhi mohanarit sarvadehinam:- Here the term 'tu' (but), has been used to denote that Tamoguna is far inferior to Sattvaguna and even, Rajoguna.
It is born of ignorance or folly, and it deludes embodied beings i.e., those, who regard the body, as their self. It enshrouds discrimination and so they cannot discriminate, between the real and the unreal; and the proper and improper. It does not allow to enjoy even Rajasika pleasure and prosperity. Then there is no question of the safety of Sattvika happiness.
The Lord means to say, that human beings are deluded of Tamoguna, but He has used the expression 'Sarvadehinam' (all embodied beings), to denote that human beings, who lack discrimination are like other deluded beings, such as birds and beasts etc., that eat, drink, sleep and produce young-ones.
Pramadalasyanidrabhistannibadhniiti bharata:- This Tamoguna, binds embodied beings through heedlessness, indolence and sleep.
Pramada:- (Heedlessness), is of two kinds-
- Heedlessness by which one does not discharge one's duty which is conducive to one's own welfare, as well as, to the welfare of others.
- Heedlessness, by which one performs futile actions, which are of no use either to him or to others.
Futile actions, can further be divided into two categories:-
- Extravagance, on smoking, drinking and movies etc.
- Playing cards and backgammon etc., shooting birds and beasts etc., and destroying plants etc.
Indolence, is also of two kinds:-
- In this state of indolence a man remains idle, sleeps more than is required and ever postpones his work. This indolence, leads a man to bondage.
- In the second kind of indolence, a person feels drowsy after the day's hard, mental and physical work. That sort of sleep is inevitable. This indolence is not a defect.
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