243. Gunas are behind divisions


 

Krishna says, “I have created four varnas (social classifications) based on differentiation of gunas and karmas but know Me to be the non-doer and immutable” (4.13). He further clarifies, “Brahmins, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras perform karmas according to the gunas springing from their nature” (18.41).

Firstly, our divisive mind builds hierarchies around us. Secondly, falsehood is nothing but a manipulated truth. Together, a falsehood was built that the social classifications are based on birth and are hierarchical. But the simple truth is that humans are of four types because of the gunas and karmas. Moreover, this division is not a tool to judge a person. These facts need to be kept in mind while understanding verses dealing with varnas or castes which still dominate the social and political fabric of our society.

While explaining gunas, Krishna says, “Three gunas of satva, rajas and tamas bind the soul to the body (14.5). Satva binds through attachment to knowledge (14.6). Rajas binds the embodied soul through attachment to action (14.7). Tamas binds through heedlessness and indolence” (14.8). Essentially, each guna binds us in one way or another.

One guna may dominate an individual’s personality throughout their life, shaping their nature and behaviour. Yet on a finer level, each day is a dynamic interplay of these gunas.  For example, when we are given a task in the office which requires additional knowledge, satva helps us to attain it. Rajas is the desire to execute tasks as per the deadline. By the end of the day when we get tired, tamas helps us with sleep. Similarly, if we are driving to a new place, knowing the direction is satvik and driving is rajas.

Binding is inherent in gunas and dependence on them constitutes bondage. Golden handcuffs don’t make bondage any better than iron ones. Guna-atheeth is transcending this bondage to attain ultimate freedom where gunas become tools.

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