The duality of pleasure and pain and liberation

The duality of pleasure and pain and liberation
by Swami Sivananda

Raga (attraction,like, love), Dvesha (repulsion, aversion, dislike) and Tatastha Vritti (indifference) are the three important modifications of the mind (Vrittis).

Raga and Dvesha (like and dislike or love and hatred or attraction and repulsion) are the two currents (Vrittis, modifications of the mind) in the mind which bind a man to the Samsaric wheel of birth and death.

Raga and Dvesha are the two Doshas or faults in the mind that have brought you to this world. Bondage. (Svarupa of Bandha) is Raga and Dvesha. The Svarupa of Ajnana is Raga and Dvesha. All the emotions come under the category of Raga-Dvesha. These two currents are the Dharma (characteristics) of the mind and not of the spirit.

Pleasure and pain, exhilaration and depression (Harsha and Soka), are due to Raga-Dvesha.

If Raga and Dvesha vanish from the mind, Pleasure and pain, exhilaration and depression (Harsha and Soka), also will disappear.

It is desire that sets the mind in motion. When there is a desire, Raga and Dvesha (like and dislike or love and hatred or attraction and repulsion) exist side by side in the mind. Desire is a motive force. Emotions and impulses co-exist with desire.

Whenever there is pleasure and Raga, there exist side by side fear and anger. Anger is only a modification of desire. Fear and anger are two old associates of pleasure and Raga.Fear and anger are hidden in Raga. They constantly torment the mind.

Fear is hidden in Raga. When you have got Raga for body, fear of death comes in. When you have Raga for money, there is fear of losing money, as money is the means of getting objects of enjoyment. When you have Raga for a woman, you always take care in protecting her. Fear is a very old, intimate friend of Raga.

If you want to give up Raga-Dvesha, give up attachment to the body (Abhimana).
If you want to give up attachment to body (Abhimana), give up non-discrimination ( Aviveka). If you want to give up Aviveka, give up ignorance (Avidya). If you do not want ignorance, get knowledge of Brahman ( Brahma-Jnana).

Liberation comes from knowledge of Brahman (Rite Jnananna muktih)”.