Vairagya and Thapas
Mind is called "aavarana" (veil or cover) for Atma. When the senses running after the objects are controlled by vairagya they will not be able to exercise any influence on the mind. Then, atma will reveal its true nature. Therefore Gita teaches that Vairagya is most essential for atma samskara (self-purification) and atma sakshathkara (self-realisation).Just as the fire subsides on its own when the firewood is removed from the hearth, similarly, when we control our desires, the senses become subdued of their own.
For all the sorrows and bondages of man, the root cause is attachment and the egoistic feeling of mine. you can enjoy all the objects at all. Leave the feeling of I and mine. Leave your mamathwa for the result of your actions. Recognise the defect or impurity in the object. When once you do it, the object itself will vanish from your vision.
Thyaga and Abhimana (Sacrifice and Attachment)
Thyaga - Sacrifice - Tharakam ( one who protects and helps to cross the ocean of samsara).
Abhimana - attachment- mamakaram ( death and destruction).
Jeevathma thathwa (individual self) is always merged in Brahma thathwa or Paranathwa thathwa (supreme self).
We should not develop abhimana (attachment) and mamakara (the feeling of mine) even in swapna (dream) and sushupti (deep sleep) states.
Everything is uncertain. In the eternal flow of time, man undergoes several such changes. The Gita has exhorted us to recognise such follies and gradually develop Vairagya.
The second requirement is abhyasa ( Practice). Another name given to this is thapas.
True thapas is emaciating the rajasic and thamasic qualities and removing the defects, deficiencies and impurities of the senses. This is said to be the correct interpretation of the word thapas.
Thapas are 3 types.
1. Sareerika : Relating to the body.
Engaging the body in good and sacred activities.
Respecting and worshiping the great souls, sages and various deities and remaining grateful to them.
Reading sacred scriptures and epics like Bhagavad Gita, Ramayana etc.,
Doing charitable activities such as Vidhya Dhana, Anna Dhana, Bhoo Dhana, Vaidhya Dhana, Go Dhana, Suvarna Dhana etc.,
Desisting from doing evil deeds.
Keeping away from the rajasic and thamasic influences.
2.Vachika Thapas
Speaking pure, sacred and pleasing words full of truth. Truth should not cause displeasure to others.
Our sacred tongue must be utilised to give happiness and joy to others. Tongue must be constantly engaged in singing the glory of God. It should teach others the right path to be trodden.
Speak always truth. Sathya and Ahimsa must become a part of your nature.
If you do not speak truth for any reason, better keep silent. You need not speak untruth.
3.Manasika Thapas
Manasika thapas enjoins on us to cultivate good thoughts always. If pure and sacred thoughts are entertained in our mind, our face will be beaming with happiness and smiles. The influence of the mind is reflected on the face. For this purpose, it is necessary to control our tongue.
Just as we have bath everyday to keep the body clean, similarly, we must constantly contemplate on divinity to remove bad thoughts in the mind. Good thoughts, good intensions and good feelings help maintain Manasika suddhi.
By sathwic quality one has to control rajas and by rajas the thamas. Thus, to attain the unity of these three is thapas. Ultimately, the sathwic quality has also be removed.
Sathwa guna is necessary till we attain divinity. Once we attain divinity none of these gunas is necessary. When we offer these trigunas to God, all our actions will become Bhaghawath Preethyartham. (performed for the pleasure of God).
Gita has laid special emphasis on the necessity of abhyasa and vairagya to control the mind.
Abhyasa: Abhyasa means sacred practices in the Sareerika, Vachika and Manasika fields.
All these three karanas (instruments) must be engaged in divine activities. We must develop relationship with things which are eternal and true. We must develop a pure mind. These are proper instruments to real thapas.
We should develop such qualities and make our life purposeful and earn the grace of God.
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