A Podcast Featuring Sri Aurobindo Studies
May 1, 2023

Complex Interaction of the Gunas Can Bring About Opposite Responses from an Individual Under Various Circumstances

Complex Interaction of the Gunas Can Bring About Opposite Responses from an Individual Under Various Circumstances
Complex Interaction of the Gunas Can Bring About Opposite Responses from an Individual Under Various Circumstances
Sri Aurobindo Studies
Complex Interaction of the Gunas Can Bring About Opposite Responses from an Individual Under Various Circumstances
This episode is also available as a blog post: https://sriaurobindostudies.wordpress.com/2023/04/29/complex-interaction-of-the-gunas-can-bring-about-opposite-responses-from-an-individual-under-various-circumstances/

0:00 As we take our standpoint primarily in the external nature, we are clearly subject to the action of the three gunas or qualities of nature. These qualities, do not remain constant and our ever changing and they then determine the type of reaction and action, an individual has in any particular situation or provocation, thus depending on On the predominance of a particular quality at any point in time. An individual May exhibit totally different responses to any situation developed Tendencies or capacities of the individual may cause him to respond characteristically along certain lines. But this is no guarantee that under specific circumstances you will always respond that same way. The capacity to respond to specific types of vibrations resides in certain centers, called chakras, and the Indian tradition and thus, depending on the Guna that is predominant. At the time, the response may be the highest or even the lowest form of response.

1:20 We frequently hear that love and hate are so intertwined. That the person we hate may turn out to be the greatest, love at some point and vice versa. Generally, calm individuals, may find that under certain types of provocation, they become enraged. Those who have developed the firm standpoint of the witness Consciousness separate from the external nature and its reactions are better able to control and manage these responses. And thus avoid becoming fully engaged with the source of the provocation and the response there to until Such a firm statuses in place. However, each individual is subject to what appear to be contradictory actions from time to time. The mother observes quote.

2:15 The human individual is a very complex being. He is composed of innumerable elements each one of which is an independent entity and has almost a personality, not only. So the most contradictory elements are housed together. If there is a particular quality or capacity present the very opposite of it, annulling it, as it were will also be found. Along with it and embracing it. I have seen a man Brave courageous heroic to, the extreme flinching from no danger facing unperturbed. The utmost Peril, truly the bravest of the Brave. And yet I have seen the same man cowering in abject Terror like the last of poltroon 's in the presence of certain circumstances.

3:09 I have seen a most generous man, giving things away, largely freely, not counting any expenditure or sacrifice, without the least care or reservation. The same person. I have also found to be the vilest of misers with respect to certain other considerations. Again, I have seen the most intelligent person with a clear mind full of light and understanding easily. Comprehending the Nick and implication of the topic. And yet I have seen him betraying the utmost stupidity of which even in ordinary Man, Without education, or intelligence would be incapable. These are not theoretical examples I have come across such persons actually in life.

4:00 End quote, reference SRI aurobindo in the mother growing within the psychology of inner development. Chapter 8, the psychic being and inner growth page 150.