Manas Buddhi Chitta Ahamkara - Part 10

ABHINIVESHA

2.9 (Sva-Rasa-Vahi Vidushah Api Tatha Rudhah Abhiniveshah)

Even for those people who are learned, there is an ever-flowing, firmly established love for continuation and a fear of cessation, or death, of these various colored modifications (kleshas).

sva-rasa-vahi= flowing on its own momentum

vidushah        = in the wise or learned person

api                   = even

tatha               = the same way

rudhah            = firmly established

abhiniveshah = resistance to loss, fear of death of identity, desire for continuity, clinging to the life of

Protecting your false identities: Once the ignorance or veiling of our true nature (avidya) has happened, and individuality (asmita) has arisen, along with the association with seemingly countless attractions (raga) and aversions (dvesha), there is a natural urge to protect that precarious balance of false identities.

Two inclinations: There are two natural inclinations after the individual false identities have been constructed:

1. Love for continuation: The false identity is strongly held onto, even though it is a phantom. It is perceived to be "me" even though it is a construct of attractions and aversions. Even the aversions are clung to as part of the balancing act of false identity.

2. Fear of discontinuation: Any perceived threat to those false identities is taken to be the threat of cessation or death. It is not just a fear of death of the physical body (though that might be the strongest attachment), but also the fear of death of any of the false identities.

Nobody is exempt: It is very common for seekers to fall into the trap of thinking that intellectual studies and understanding is sufficient on the spiritual path. This is particularly true in relation to practices such as described in the Yoga Sutras, where one can do endless analysis and debate of the Sanskrit sutras. Intellectual understanding is no protection whatsoever in relation to these colorings (kleshas) and the natural fear that arises in relation to their inevitable demise.

Wanting to keep things as they are: Once the balance has been attained between the many attractions and aversions, along with having the foundation I-ness and spiritual ignorance, there comes an innate desire to keep things just the way they are.

Fear of change: There is a resistance and fear that comes with the possibility of losing the current situation. It is like a fear of death, though it does not just mean death of the physical body. Often, this fear is not consciously experienced. It is common for a person new to meditation to say, "But I have no fear!" Then, after some time there arises a subtle fear, as one becomes more aware of the inner process.

Fear is natural: This is definitely not a matter of trying to create fear in people. Rather, it is a natural part of the process of thinning out the thick blanket of colored thought patterns. There is a recognition of letting go of our unconsciously cherished attachments and aversions. When meditation is practiced gently and systematically, this fear is seen as less of an obstacle.

From the work place to home to relationships to almost everything, no one wants a change, for the 2 possible reasons explained above- either they love to continue the way it is or they fear that the change may affect their ego in some way or the other- their raga or dvesha or asmita may be in for a change, if they have to change. So everyone fears a change.

Dear All,

Except those who have been introduced to yoga sutras, no one amongst us would have ever realized that even this FEAR OF CHANGE is an EGO.

While its predecessors- Raga and Dvesha, Attachment and Aversion are at the surface level and can easily be understood as our EGO, the author is sure that only after reading today’s post, any sincere reader would realize, to his/ her amazement that even this fear of change is an Ego and also, it is pertinent to note that almost every one of us, without exception have this ego factor, each one of us fear change because any change may affect our identity (Asmita). 

This fear of change is expressed as fear of death in the sense that it is fear of death of one situation, one environment in which one enjoys comfort zone.

Love.