GV11…..The inherent nature makes people different

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Let me continue with more verses from Bhagavad Gita in this episode, taking off from our previous discussion.

Verse 14.5

Our soul is non material and blemishless. It is ever free. But when it gets associated with a body, it gets influenced by the limitations of the body. This body is made up of three fundamental constituents of matter namely, the Satwa, Rajas and Tamas. These three impart color to the encased soul. 

Verse 14.6

Among these three basic constituents, the Satwa is relatively pure. It guides the encased soul on the righteous path. It is like a beacon of light. It is harmless, except that it induces desires for bodily pleasures, and intellectual gratification. That way, it binds the soul to the body. 

Verse 14.7

The other fundamental constituent of the body, namely the Rajas is a motivator of various insatiable desires. It promotes craving and attachment to material things. Under its influence, the embodied soul engages in various actions. Some of these actions further bind the soul to the body. 

Verse 14.8

The third constituent, namely the Tamas, is steeped in ignorance. It deludes the embodied soul. Due to the confusion induced by this property, the encased soul resorts to inaction, laziness and commits blunders. That way, it binds the soul to the body. 

Verse 4.13

Due to the influence of these three basic constituents of the body, in various proportions, people exhibit different tendencies. And because of these tendencies they indulge in various activities. Based on these tendencies and activities, human beings can be broadly classified into four Varnas namely 

• people who are basically knowledge seekers and its promoters
• people who indulge in heroic activities and take on a leadership role
• people who are wealth seekers and who indulge in activities that help in that, and finally
• those who are neither knowledge oriented, nor are active on their own, and end up serving others as their slaves. 

Though these classifications existed right from the beginning, in a way they are not intentionally created. They are just consequences of the way things exist.

 That was Bhagavad Geeta verses episode 11

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Based on verses from Bhagavad Gita.  Interpretations are by Dr. King, that are read out. Verses are sung by Padmini Dinesh. © Dr.King  2019.