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 Vrittis (modifications) of the mind.
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 (ignorance) 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.
Raga (attraction) in the mind is as much dangerous as Dvesha (hatred or repulsion). Whenever there is Raga, there is Dvesha also. Not only the Dvesha-Vritti (the modification of dislike), but also the Vritti of Raga gives pain to man. If an object gives pleasure, you get Raga for the object. But when there is Viyoga (separation) from the object, as in the case of death of your dear wife or son, you get immense pain which is indescribable.
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.
You have Raga for things favourable (Anukula) and Dvesha for things unfavourable (Pratikula).
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.
Raga-Dvesha has four states (Avasthas), viz., Dagdha (burnt up), Tanu (attenuated or thinned out), Vicchinna (concealed) and Udara (fully expanded). The first two states pertain to a Yogin; the last two to worldlings. In a fully developed Yogin, the Vrittis of Raga-Dvesha are burnt up by Nirvikalpa Samadhi. They are Dagdha (like burnt-up seeds). In a Yogin who is practising, the impressions of Raga-Dvesha are tenuous. They are in a fine state. He has control over these two Vrittis. In those who are given to enjoyments (ordinary mortals), they are concealed and fully expanded.
Raga-Dvesha currents, the characteristics of the mind, can be removed by Yogic Kriya (practices of Yoga). These can be completely fried up by Nirvikalpa Samadhi or Asamprajnata Samadhi.
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)”.
It is desire that sets the mind in motion. Desire is a motive force. Emotions and impulses co-exist with desire. Anger is only a modification of desire.
~ Swami Sivananda
🌺 Peace, Love, Harmony
Source: Sivanandaonline.org
atmannityanada 