तमस्त्वज्ञानजं विद्धि मोहनं सर्वदेहिनाम् ।
प्रमादालस्यनिद्राभिस्तन्निबध्नाति भारत ॥ ८ ॥
tamas tv ajñāna-jaṁ viddhi mohanaṁ sarva-dehinām
pramādālasya-nidrābhis tan nibadhnāti bhārata
श्लोक ८: इसके विपरीत, स्मरण रखो कि तमस अज्ञानता से उत्पन्न होता है, जिससे सभी देहधारी प्राणियों में भ्रम उत्पन्न होता है। हे भरतवंशी, तमस जीव को असत्य, आलस्य और नींद के माध्यम से कसकर बाँध लेता है।
Shloka 8: Conversely, understand Tamas as arising from ignorance, leading to delusion in all embodied living beings. O descendant of Bharata, Tamas binds one tightly through misunderstanding, laziness and sleep.
In Bhagavad Gita 14.8, Lord Krishna explains to Arjuna the nature and effects of tamo guna (the mode of ignorance). This verse comes after Krishna has already described the binding nature of sattva (goodness) and rajas (passion), completing his explanation of the three modes of material nature that influence all living beings.Tamo guna is described as being born of ignorance (ajñāna-jam), serving as the cause of delusion or bewilderment (mohanam) for all embodied beings. Unlike the other gunas which may have some positive aspects, tamo guna is entirely detrimental to spiritual progress. It binds the living entity through three primary manifestations: pramāda (carelessness or madness), ālasya (laziness), and nidrā (excessive sleep).The nature of ignorance is particularly insidious because it not only stems from a lack of knowledge but also perpetuates and deepens that ignorance. It creates a downward spiral where the affected person gradually loses discrimination between right and wrong. Under its influence, people often find pleasure in activities that further cloud consciousness, such as oversleeping, intoxication, violence, and gambling. These activities might provide temporary relief or pleasure but ultimately lead to greater confusion and problems.When tamo guna predominates, a person becomes negligent of their duties and responsibilities. What's particularly challenging about this mode is how subtly it can take over - it doesn't announce its arrival but slowly seeps into one's consciousness, making the person believe they're simply resting or taking it easy when they're actually drifting away from purpose and clarity. The affected individual gradually becomes incapable of understanding their true situation, as described in the commentary: "a madman cannot understand what is what".The binding effect of tamo guna affects all living beings to some extent because embodied existence itself has roots in ignorance. This mode directly opposes both knowledge (which is enhanced by sattva) and activity (which is stimulated by rajas). It dulls both the mind and body, making the soul increasingly lethargic and confused. Instead of making advancement, one becomes degraded under its influence.This verse highlights how tamo guna creates a vicious cycle - the more one indulges in tamasic activities, the deeper one sinks into ignorance. A person becomes "totally oblivious of its spiritual identity, its goal in life, and the opportunity for progress that the human form provides". The living entity becomes trapped, unable to perceive reality clearly or take meaningful action toward spiritual advancement.Understanding the nature of tamo guna is essential for anyone seeking spiritual progress. By recognizing its symptoms and effects in our lives, we can work to minimize its influence through cultivation of knowledge, awareness, and conscious effort. The first step in overcoming any obstacle is recognizing its presence, and Krishna's detailed explanation of tamo guna provides Arjuna (and us) with the knowledge needed to identify and ultimately transcend this binding force of material nature.
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