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      The Three Primary Energies Determining our Lives

      Chapter 1

      An Introductory Explanation of the “Gunas”

      Definition of Guna

      We are embarking on the discussion of an extremely important subject. If we understand and put the following ideas into practice, we can change our lives. Even a basic familiarity with these concepts can cause a change for the better. This knowledge can affect how successful, healthy and harmonious we are.

      First we need to understand the definition of the word guna. There are two meanings – “rope” and “quality”, although these translations are somewhat superficial. The Yoga-Sutra, which is the foundation of Eastern psychology, gives a more exact, deep explanation – the gunas are that lie at the core of all qualities.

      According to yoga psychology, the gunas determine the internal as well as external qualities of everything. If an object is a combination of different components then the quality of this object will be determined by the quality of all its components.

      Eastern psychology explains that gunas influence all spheres of life. The three gunas are the foundation of the manifested Universe, and determine the direction of all aspects of life and the condition of different types of objects. The Bhagavad-Gita (3.27) states that while a living being imagines itself as the cause of all its actions, in reality all activity is performed by the three modes (gunas) of material nature; the living entity can only desire.

      The American professor of psychotherapy Abraham Maslow demonstrated by research that ninety-nine percent of people lead a mechanical or unconscious existence. Only one percent adhere to the principles of Eastern psychology, although unaware of these principles, and thus lead a more mindful life-style. These people are more successful than all the ninety-nine percent put together. If you put into practice the knowledge in this book, you can easily become part of this one percent – a healthy, happy and harmonious person who is no longer a slave to lower energies.

      Everything is Defined by Subtle Energy

      Everything we see in this world is a mixture of different energies. All people, places and things radiate some kind of energy. We all need energy to have healthy, creative lives. If certain forms of energy, such as oil or electricity, were to disappear suddenly, our modern civilization would deteriorate within a few days.

      There are different types of energy – gross and subtle, material and spiritual, good and evil. If we received a written message saying “I love you”, we would be delighted; but if the “I hate you” written on the same paper with the same pen, it could be devastating.

      Similarly, when we enter a place where a quarrel has occurred, the atmosphere often feels stiffed, producing a feeling of coming in contact with something filthy, even if people may be seating, working, or smiling. If we live mainly in tamas and rajas (ignorance and passion), we may feel quite comfortable in such an atmosphere, even finding pleasure in it, and at times creating similar situations out of a pure environment.

      Everything is decided by subtle energy. If our subtle body becomes even slightly active by practicing yoga and chanting mantras or prayers, we will start to see and feel this energy.

      Origin and Categories of Energies

      The Vedas state that God, Adipurusam, is the primeval Supreme Essence, the only Parabrahman from which all energies come.

      The three main energies are:

      1. Internal (spiritual).

      2. Marginal (living entities, souls, living as we do in this material world).

      3. External (material or illusory).