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.
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.
